Greater Manchester Police have launched a murder investigation and arrested two men following the death of a 52-year-old man who was assaulted in Rochdale town centre in the early hours of Saturday, September 26, 2026.
Emergency services were called to South Parade at around 1:30 a.m. BST following reports of a serious attack. Officers and paramedics from the Northwest Ambulance Service arrived at the scene, located between AST Hampsons Solicitors and The Old Bank bar, where they found the victim unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment, but he died from his injuries shortly after.
Police Custody and Ongoing Investigation
Two male suspects were arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of murder. Both men remain in police custody for questioning as detectives work to establish the sequence of events leading up to the assault.
The victim’s name has not yet been publicly released. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that his family has been notified and is receiving support from specialist officers.
The investigation is being headed by Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan from the force’s Major Incident Team.
“This is a heart-breaking incident in which a man has tragically lost his life,” said DCI Brennan. “Our thoughts are first and foremost with his family and loved ones who are being supported by specially trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.”
“I want to reassure people that we have a dedicated team of detectives working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and understand exactly what happened in the moments leading up to it.”
The Incident
| Date & Time | Saturday, September 26, 2026, at approx. 1:30 a.m. BST |
|---|---|
| Location | South Parade, Rochdale town centre (near The Old Bank bar) |
| Victim | 52-year-old male (unidentified) |
| Suspects | Two men arrested on suspicion of murder |
| Investigating Unit | GMP Major Incident Team |
Appeal for Public Footage and Witnesses
Detectives are urging anyone who was in the area of South Parade around the time of the attack to come forward with any relevant information or footage.
Investigators are particularly interested in gathering:
- CCTV recordings from nearby businesses or residences
- Dashcam footage from drivers passing through the town centre
- Video captured on mobile phones or video doorbells
- Eyewitness accounts of any suspicious activity before or after 1:30 a.m.
Anyone with information can contact Greater Manchester Police directly on 101 or via the LiveChat service, quoting log 250 of 26/09/2026. Members of the public can also submit details through the GMP Major Incident Public Portal, or report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
