A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 50-year-old man was killed in a gang attack on Railway Road in Leigh last night.

The 31-year-old is being questioned by detectives following the attack, which occurred outside Oceans Eleven chip shop shortly after 11.30pm.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police, who are appealing for witnesses, said the victim was 'attacked by a group of people and had personal items stolen from him some time prior to the ambulance service attending'.

The man was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to hospital, where he later died.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Little, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family at this incredibly difficult time and we currently have specially trained officers working to provide them with support.

“Less than 12 hours on from this man’s tragic death, we are still in the very early stages of our investigation and our enquiries are ongoing.

“I know this incident may cause some concern locally but I want to stress that we have launched a full investigation and are actively trying to find those responsible for the attack.

“This was a violent attack and we are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed it, or have information on the circumstances surrounding it, to please contact police.”

Railway Road is still cordoned off as forensic teams work at the scene.

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8797 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.