A murder investigation has been launched after a man died following an assault near a bus stop in Withington.
The victim, in his 50s, was found unconscious by a bus driver at a stop on Wilmslow Road near the junction with Victoria Road, at about 5.10pm on Thursday August 12th.
Following extensive CCTV enquiries it was later discovered that the man had been assaulted close to where he was found unconscious.
He was taken to hospital but has since sadly died as a result of his injuries.
The MEN understands the incident is not being treated as a robbery that went wrong.
Detectives have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident and are encouraging anyone who may recognise him to come forward and speak with police.
Detective Inspector Chris Maddocks, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "A man has very tragically lost his life following this serious assault and our main priority now is ensuring we provide his family with the support that they need at this incredibly sad time.
"This assault took place in the middle of the afternoon, on a busy main road, and we are confident there are people out there who will have seen the assault take place, recognise the man in the images or have information, or dash-cam footage, that could greatly assist our enquiries.
"If you do have information that could help us to identify the man in these images I would urge you to think of his family and loved ones who are, understandably, in desperate need of answers. No matter how insignificant you think the information you hold may be - it could be a crucial part of our investigation."
Police now believe the man was assaulted on Wilmslow Road, close the bus stop where he was found at the junction with Victoria Road.
It is believed the attack happened at around 5pm when the road would have been busy.
Detectives say the attacker, wearing all dark clothing, fled on foot towards Fallowfield.
Detective Inspector Geoff Machent of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "We've been following all available lines of enquiry to ensure we establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and we are now confident that this man was assaulted prior to being found at the bus stop.
"Any information could prove vital to our investigation and could help identify the man responsible for this heinous assault and ensure we can provide his loved ones with the answers that they desperately deserve."
Anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to call 0161 856 6063 or 101 quoting incident number 1138 of 13/08/21 to speak with the Op Juniper enquiry team.
Alternatively, details can be passed to GMP's LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
