A Christmas tragedy in Piccadilly Gardens

A man has died after being found collapsed in Manchester city centre two days before Christmas. Part of Piccadilly Gardens was cordoned off following the discovery of the man on December 23.

Pictures from the scene showed a stretch of pavement outside a derelict bank on the Piccadilly side of the square taped off with a police officer guarding the scene.

The pavement outside the old bank has been used by rough sleepers recently. Piles of their belongings could be seen within the cordon.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said officers were called to reports of a concerns for welfare for a man.

The man, 44, was taken to hospital where he was cared for in an intensive care unit. But today Greater Manchester Police confirmed he had died at 4.40am on January 1st. His next of kin is being supported by specially-trained officers.