Grandad was 'left dying in street after trying to stop Land Rover theft'

18 March 2024 , 17:26

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Christopher Hanley was pronounced dead in Beswick on Saturday (Image: MEN Media)

Murder detectives are quizzing two men after a body was left lying in the road following a suspected Land Rover theft.

The victim was named as 'adored' grandad Christopher Hanley today as his family told of their heartbreak. Police were called just before 11am on Saturday after residents in Beswick, Manchester found the unresponsive 57-year-old and rushed to help.

Despite the best efforts of an off-duty nurse and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement via Greater Manchester Police, Chris's family said: “As a family we are heartbroken and shocked at the sudden loss of Chris. A loved and devoted family man who adored his grandchildren, tragically and unfairly, taken way too soon."

A murder investigation has been launched (MEN Media)

Forensic fingerprint paint could be seen on the door of a house, and tyre marks were still visible on the drive today. Several police officers wearing stab vests and body-worn cameras were also seen trying to gain access to a property, but to no avail.

Detectives said their initial inquiries suggested the victim was killed while trying to stop his car from being stolen. A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

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Greater Manchester Police were called to Olympic Street, Beswick, on Saturday morning (MEN Media)

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith from GMP Major Incident Team said: "At the centre of this investigation is a grieving family, who we will do all we can to get answers for.

"Our investigation is moving at pace, and I have a team of detectives who continue to work relentlessly to capture a picture of what happened in the events leading up to this incident."

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