Mystery Attack Victim Identified As Manchester student

1 March 2012, 15:18 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man found critically injured in a park in Manchester has now been identified as Manchester University student Daniel Whiteley from Barnsley in South Yorkshire.

The 19-year-old, who is in his first year studying English, remains in a critical condition after suffering multiple injuries.

He was found on Tuesday morning in a few inches of water at the bottom of a steep brick culvert.

Last night police identified him and contacted his family who live in Barnsley

They are now being supported by specially-trained officers as the investigation continues into how Daniel came to be injured.

Officers are also supporting Daniel's university friends.

He remained unidentified for 36 hours but police managed to find out who he was after finding some keys not far from where he was found.

They believe Daniel was the victim of a serious assault which has left him with severe head injuries and injuries to his arms and abdomen.

Detective Inspector Terry Crompton from Longsight CID said: “We have now been able to identify this injured young man and contact his family, who are now being supported by specially trained officers. We are also working closely with the University of Manchester to support his friends.

"A team of detectives remain dedicated to this case, to establish who assaulted Daniel before he was found lying at the bottom of the embankment on Tuesday morning.

"If you were in the Platt Fields Park or 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.