THE mother of Steven Dyson says she has been told someone is to be charged in relation to an alleged assault before her son’s death.

Lorraine Roach says the Crown Prosecution Service has informed her that someone is due to be arrested and charged with assaulting Steven at a party hours before he died. However, she says she is disappointed that a charge of manslaughter is not being brought in relation to his death.

The 22-year-old was last seen alive at 9am on New Year’s Day leaving a party in St Andrew’s Close, Ramsbottom.

It is believed Steven started the 25-minute walk to his home in Beechwood Avenue, but did not arrive.

He was reported missing by his mother later that day, sparking a police search of Nuttall Park and the surrounding area.

In the days that followed, members of the public formed search parties before Steven's body was found in the River Irwell in nearby Summerseat on January 6.

At the time, police said they believed Steven may have been injured after being assaulted at the party. A 21-year-old man was arrested but later released under investigation.

An inquest is due to be held next week.