A man in his 50s has died after being found with head injuries in a city centre canal.
Police said they were called at around 10.37pm last night to reports of concern for the welfare of a man in the water close to Ducie Street in the Piccadilly Basin area.
Witnesses reported a large number of police, fire and paramedic crews concentrated in the Dale Street car park, next to the Rochdale canal.
A man believed to be aged around 50-years-old was taken to hospital in a critical condition but sadly died this morning, police said.
Detectives are 'keeping an open mind' as to how he ended up in the water.
Two men aged 52 and 44 were arrested last night on suspicion of assault and remain in custody for questioning.
Detectives say the victim was 'seen to be drinking' with the two men arrested prior to him ending up in the water.
Detective Inspector Jen Tattersall added: "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."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Longsight CID on 0161 856 4409 quoting log number 3373 of the 29 August 2021.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
