Greater Manchester Police have opened a murder investigation after a 56-year-old man, named by police as Brian Cunliffe, died in hospital following an assault at a property in Ince, Wigan.
Timeline of events
Officers were called to an address on Bryn Street on the night of Friday 31 July after ambulance crews reported an ongoing disturbance and a man with blood on his face. The victim initially declined on-scene treatment and said he would attend hospital the following morning. He was taken to Salford Royal Hospital the next day in a life-threatening condition and died on Sunday.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| Friday 31 July, ~22:35 | Emergency services attend Bryn Street after report of disturbance |
| Saturday 1 August, ~12:00 | Hospital reports victim in life-threatening condition |
| Sunday | Victim dies at hospital; murder investigation launched |
Arrests and police statement
Two men — one in his 50s and another in his 30s — have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody. Greater Manchester Police say the suspects and the victim were known to each other.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time… We are continuing to establish the full facts of this incident, but we believe both suspects and the victim were known to each other.”
Detective Inspector Hulston confirmed Family Liaison Officers are supporting the next of kin and that the force will provide further updates as enquiries progress. Officers have described the incident as isolated and have sought to reassure local residents.
What this means for the local area
The incident has been confined to an address on Bryn Street, but it has prompted an increased police presence in the immediate aftermath while detectives carry out enquiries. Residents with information that may assist the investigation are being urged to contact Greater Manchester Police.
- If you witnessed anything on Bryn Street on the night of 31 July or the early hours of 1 August, contact GMP.
- Anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage that could help should come forward.
- Reports can be made online, by phone to GMP, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
As enquiries continue, police asked the community to avoid speculation while they establish the full circumstances surrounding the assault and subsequent death.
Contact details: For the latest official information and how to report relevant information, consult Greater Manchester Police communications channels.
