Ashley Thomas: police probe after man dies 10 years after Christmas Eve assault in Manchester

The family of a man who died as a result of an unprovoked assault over 10 years ago are urging people to come forward with any information that could shed light on the attack.

Ashley McGurk, known locally as Ashley Thomas, was brutally attacked near to Harpurhey shopping precinct as he walked home from a party on Christmas Eve 2011.

Ashley, who lived in the area, was in a coma for months and was left brain damaged. He died in a care home in January last year.

A pathologist said his death was caused by the assault - and Greater Manchester police have reopened the case as a murder investigation.

Family appeal

Ashley’s mum has pleaded for anyone with information to come forward. She said: "Visiting my own son every day in his care facilities was absolutely heartbreaking to see and cope with for 10 long years and to know we still don't have justice so many years on is so devastating.

"Both Ashley and his family deserve justice which is why I would ask anyone to come forward with information. We want this nightmare to end once and for all."

What’s the background to the case?

Three arrests were made at the time; two men were released with no further action taken. One man was charged but the case was dismissed by the court.

Detective Sergeant Paddy Connell, from the City of Manchester Division CID, said: "This was a devastating incident for Ashley's family and we believe there will be people in the local area with information about the reported assault at the time that may be able to help Ashley's family get the justice they deserve.

"Ashley suffered such horrific injuries that he spent the last 10 years of his life in care facilities and was regularly visited by his mother who has suffered unimaginable emotional pain since the assault and has visited him every day over the last 10 years.

"Anyone with any information - no matter how small it may seem - is asked to contact us on 0161 856 4409 quoting crime reference number CRI/06A1/0001614/21. Someone out there will know something and I would urge them to get in touch - even if it's anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."