Greater Manchester Police arrest two after Rochdale murder
Greater Manchester Police have arrested two men on suspicion of murder after a 52-year-old man was attacked in the street in Rochdale and later died in hospital. Officers found him unconscious on South Parade at about 01:30 BST on Saturday, 26 September 2026, and launched a murder investigation.
Key Takeaways
- Two men are in custody on suspicion of murder after a street attack in Rochdale.
- The 52-year-old victim was found unconscious on South Parade at about 01:30 BST and later died in hospital.
- Greater Manchester Police and Northwest Ambulance Service attended the scene.
- Detectives are appealing for CCTV, doorbell, dashcam and mobile phone footage.
- Anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The case is among the latest serious violence inquiries covered in our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries reporting.
What happened on South Parade in Rochdale?
According to BBC News, Greater Manchester Police were called to South Parade in Rochdale in the early hours of Saturday morning. The 52-year-old was found unconscious at 01:30 BST after being attacked in the street.
Metro reported the assault took place on South Parade between The Old Bank bar and AST Hampsons Solicitors in the town centre. Northwest Ambulance Service and GMP attended the scene. The man was taken to hospital for treatment, but he later died from his injuries.
Who has Greater Manchester Police arrested?
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident. Police have not publicly named the suspects or released further personal details about the victim beyond his age.
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Brennan of the Major Incident Team described what happened as a "heart-breaking incident" in which a man had "tragically lost his life." Specialist officers are supporting his family and loved ones at what she called an incredibly difficult time.
What are detectives asking the public to do?
Greater Manchester Police have appealed for any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, as well as mobile phone video that may assist the inquiry. Officers also want to hear from anyone who was in the South Parade area in the small hours of Saturday, or who saw anything suspicious before or afterwards.
DCI Brennan said a dedicated team of detectives is working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and understand exactly what happened in the moments leading up to it. She acknowledged that an incident of this nature would cause concern within the local community.
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact police on 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 250 of 26/09/2026. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The investigation remains ongoing.