Two murder arrests after man dies days after assault

News imagePA White police tape with blue writing reads: 'POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS'PA
Brian Cunliffe, 56, died in hospital

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died in an assault in Greater Manchester.

Brian Cunliffe, 56, died following a reported assault in Ince, Wigan, on Friday, Greater Manchester Police said.

Officers were called to Bryn Street at about 22:35 BST on Friday after ambulance services reported an "ongoing disturbance" in which a man "had blood coming from his face".

A man in his 50s and a man in his 30s have been arrested and remain in police custody as inquiries continue. The arrested men and the victim are believed to be known to each other, police said.

Cunliffe initially refused medical care on Friday saying "he did not remember how he got his injuries" and "would take himself to the hospital in the morning," police said.

Police were later alerted by Salford Royal Hospital that the victim was in a life-threatening condition at about 12:00 on Saturday and that he died on Sunday.

"I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time," Det Insp Hulston said.

"We are continuing to establish the full facts of this incident, but we believe both suspects and the victim were known to each other."

Hulston said the family of the victim are being supported and fully updated throughout.

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