Man drowns 'fleeing' police

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the death

A man, who was running away from police investigating an alleged assault, has drowned in a canal.

Police have launched an investigation in to the death of Graham Eyres whose body was found next to the canal in Bolton, Greater Manchester, at 0500 BST on Saturday.

It is believed the 20-year-old may have fallen into the water as he ran away from police.

It is thought he may have jumped over a fence and fallen 20 feet into the water while fleeing police officers, who were called to an alleged assault nearby at 0215 BST.

The police investigation will be supervised by the independent Police Complaints Authority.

A member of the Greater Manchester Police Authority, Anne Boustred, said: "I am coming up to Bolton to plan the inquiry, meet the coroner and also offer to meet with the family."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said they are still investigating whether the dead man, from the Swinton area, played any part in the alleged assault.