Police have launched an investigation after a man in his 30s died in a car park in Rochdale, after being assaulted by three men.

At around 3:10am this morning police were called by the ambulance service to reports that a man was unconscious in a car park off The Esplanade, near Yates bar.

Officers attended and despite the best efforts of paramedics, a man in his 30s was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives have since established that the victim was assaulted following a conversation with three men and was left lying in the road.

The men are said to have left the scene walking towards Rochdale Memorial Gardens.

A short time later the man was hit by a passing vehicle with the driver stopping at the scene.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform his next of kin.

No arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Dan Clegg, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "This was a devastating incident during which a man was killed. A post mortem is yet to take place to establish the cause of death.

"We are in the process of identifying his next of kin so we can inform them. Specialist officers will then provide them with support.

"Our investigation is in the early stages but we are currently searching for three men.

"We know there were a number of people in the town centre at the time and I ask anyone who has information to contact us as soon as possible.

"We know incidents like this cause concern but, as ever, extensive enquiries are ongoing. Extra officers have been deployed to the area and anyone with concerns can speak with them."

Anyone with information should is asked to contact police on 0161 856 3400 quoting 563 of 20/09/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.