Murder 'may have racial motive'

David Lees, of Heathbank Road, Blackley, died in hospital after being found collapsed on Middleton Road in Prestwich at 0100 BST on Saturday.

The 23-year-old's death followed a disturbance believed to have involved white and Asian men.

A 25-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of Mr Lee's murder.

"It seems like a disturbance has escalated out of all proportion"
Supt Mark Robinson

However, they are investigating whether race "was an element" in the events leading to Mr Lees' death.

About 20 people were seen arguing on the forecourt of a BP garage prior to the killing.

Mr Lees, who was white, had been among people involved in a row with a group of Asian youths.

The police spokesman said: "We are treating this as a racial incident, but the murder was not racially motivated."

Supt Mark Robinson of Greater Manchester Police added: "He (Mr Lees) was run down and killed by a vehicle.

"That vehicle fled the scene and we are treating it as a murder inquiry.

"It seems like a disturbance or a low-level disorder has escalated out of all proportion."

Friends and family of the victim have left flowers and tributes at the scene, which was sealed off until mid-morning while investigations were being carried out.

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