A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man found unconscious in the street later died.

A 52-year-old man was found in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

He was rushed to hospital but later died.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 1.30am, officers responded to reports of an assault on South Parade in Rochdale, where a man, aged 52, was found unconscious.

“He was taken to hospital for treatment but, despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died.

“Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in custody for questioning.

“Detectives from our Major Incident Team are now leading the investigation and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, has information about what happened, or has relevant CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage to come forward.”

Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan from the Major Incident Team said: “This is a heart-breaking incident in which a man has tragically lost his life.

“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.

“We understand an incident of this nature will also cause concern within the local community.

“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.

“Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“We are now appealing directly to anyone who was in the South Parade area in the early hours of this morning and may have witnessed the incident, or seen anything suspicious before or afterwards, to please speak to us.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area as it could provide vital information to assist our investigation.

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, please come forward and speak to our officers on 101 or LiveChat quoting log 250 of 26/09/2026”

“Alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”