Man dies after being found in the canal in ‘tragic incident’ in Manchester city centre

Police are investigating after the death of a man who was found in the canal.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested two men and they were in custody for questioning on Monday.

Officers described it as a “tragic incident”.

What happened?

Police were called to a report of a concern for the welfare of a man in the canal close to Ducie Street in Manchester City Centre at around 10.37pm on 29 August.

Officers attended and a man believed to be around 50 years old was located in the water with head injuries.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died this morning (30 August).

Arrests made

Two men, aged 52 and 44, were arrested last night (29 August) on suspicion of assault.

The initial lines of police enquiry have discovered that the three people involved in the incident were drinking together on 29 August.

GMP said on Monday that the two men remained in custody for questioning.

What has GMP said?

GMP is not yet drawing any conclusions as to what happened and is urging anyone who knows anything about the circumstances to speak to officers as quickly as possible.

Detective Inspector Jen Tattersall, of GMPs City of Manchester team, said: “This is a tragic incident where a man has very sadly lost his life and we are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances surrounding how he ended up in the water.

“Initial enquiries have established that the victim was seen to be drinking with the two men who we have arrested, shortly before police were called by passers-by who spotted the victim in the water.

“I would like to reassure the public that we are treating this as an isolated incident at this time and we believe there is no wider threat to the public.

“Anyone with information that may help us with our investigation, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, is asked to contact us as soon as possible.

“Enquiries are ongoing this morning and there will be an increased police presence in the area while the investigation continues.”

Helping the police

Anyone with information is asked to contact Longsight CID on 0161 856 4409, quoting log number 3373 of 29 August 2021.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.