A witness to an attack which led to a man's death has told how he rushed to help the victim and put him in the recovery position.

A murder investigation is under way after a 35-year-old died yesterday following an attack on Silver Street in the early hours of Sunday.

A teenager has been arrested.

Today the town is in shock after the assault in the heart of Bury's nightlife scene.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 35-year-old man died in hospital yesterday (09/07/2023).

The victim is believed to have been punched before falling to the ground at around 4.30am outside a Silver Street bar.

A passer-by said they remained with the victim putting him into a recovery position, until police and paramedics arrived.

He said: “He got punched and then fell to the floor.

“I stayed with him and held him in the recovery position, the police came straight away but it felt like we had been waiting forever for the ambulance.

“It was really upsetting, I don’t know the man personally, but I was sorry to hear he passed away and my thoughts are with his family.”

The man was treated by officers and North West Ambulance Service paramedics at the scene and transported to hospital where he sadly died.

A 21-year-old man was also arrested on Saturday on suspicion of assault and bailed.

Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “This is a very distressing incident and our sympathies go to the man’s family and loved ones.

"We would urge anyone who has any information to contact the police and help them with their enquiries.”

Bury residents have also shared their condolences, grief, and their safety concerns about being out late in the town.

One woman, who works late night shifts, said: “Working in Bury you can’t help but think that things are going downhill.

“There are incidents almost every week of people being verbally abused or physically assaulted and because I finish work later in the night, I am always on guard when walking through the centre.”

People have also shared their concerns on Facebook.

One said “What's happening to my old hometown, it used to be a great place to live and work.

“Seems to be going downhill very fast. Especially the nightlife. So sad.”

Another added: “The fact there are two emergency bleed kits on the wall outside bars on Silver Street is a shocking sign of the times.

“Thoughts with the family and friends of the victim.”

One said: "Condolences to the man's family. Very sad indeed. I don't even bother with nights out in Bury any more. “

Speaking about the incident yesterday, Detective Superintendent and Head of GMP’s Major Incident Team, Chris Bridge said: “A murder investigation has been launched to understand the circumstances surrounding this man’s death.

“My thoughts are with this man’s loved ones who have suffered an unimaginable loss from this tragic and unacceptable incident.

“Officers are following a number of lines of enquiries to understand how this happened and identify who is responsible. We would like to thank the public for supporting our investigation and continue to encourage anyone who has mobile phone, CCTV or dash cam footage that may show the incident or aftermath to submit it through the MIPP portal link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23S57-PO1 “You can also contact the investigation team on 0161 856 3635 or by calling 101 quoting log number 655 of the 08/07/2023.

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”