MAN DIES AFTER STREET ATTACK
36-YEAR-OLD FOUND WITH SERIOUS HEAD INJURIES LOSES FIGHT FOR LIFE IN HOSPITAL
A MAN who was brutally attacked while out celebrating his birthday in Oldham has died.
Stephen McGiffen, 36, was found lying on the floor with serious head injuries near the Old Bank on Yorkshire Street in the town centre in the early hours of Friday.
He was rushed to hospital where he died on Saturday.
His family, who had been at his bedside, is now being supported by specialist officers. A post mortem was taking place on Sunday.
The alarm was originally raised by members of the public who rang emergency services saying Stephen had been assaulted.
Police said he was punched before his attackers ran off. They believe the attack happened during a disturbance said to involve a number of people.
Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of assault and have since been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detectives have today renewed their appeal for any witnesses to come forward saying a lot of people spilled out of nearby pubs and bars to see what was going on, and that they might have vital information.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wilkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our investigation has today taken a tragic turn with a family losing Stephen, someone so precious to them.
“We will continue to do whatever we can to support them and hope we will be able to provide them with the answers they are currently looking for.
“What we know so far is that there were a lot of people that came out of the bars and pubs on Yorkshire Street to witness the incident – if you haven’t yet got in touch with us, we need you to do so to tell us what you saw.
“Did you see an altercation between several people near to the Old Bank pub? Do you know who is responsible for Stephen losing his life?
“In the last 24 hours, his family’s lives have been turned upside down – please, do the right thing and pick up the phone.”
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 0161 856 9908 quoting reference number 234 of 13/07/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.