Three held for attempted murder of Barnsley student in Manchester

Daniel Whiteley, 19, from Barnsley, was discovered in Platt Fields park in Fallowfield, Greater Manchester, in the early hours of Tuesday.

The first-year English student at the University of Manchester had suffered multiple injuries to his head and body, and is in a critical condition in hospital.

An 18-year-old woman and two men, aged 21 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in police custody, Greater Manchester Police said.

Police had been investigating the student’s whereabouts up to when he was found at the bottom of an embankment in the park.

It is now believed that Mr Whiteley may have been involved in an altercation at the Krunchy Fried Chicken takeaway on Wilmslow Road, opposite Owen’s Park, some time between 2am and 3.30am on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Terry Crompton from Longsight CID said: “We have now received new information about Daniel’s whereabouts that morning and would ask that anyone who was at or near the takeaway between 2am and 3.30am contacts us.

“If you were in the Platt Fields park or the surrounding area on Monday night or Tuesday morning and saw or heard anything you think may be linked to this case, then please get in touch with us. We are determined to establish the facts so we can provide Daniel’s family with some much-needed answers.

“However insignificant you think your information may be, it could actually be vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4245 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.