Daniel Whiteley named as 'critically injured' Manchester man

A man found in a ditch with multiple injuries to his head and body has been identified by police as a student at Manchester University.

Daniel Whiteley, 19, from the Barnsley area, was found in the city's Platt Fields Park on Tuesday.

Police said he is a first-year studying English and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He is currently in a critical condition in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for life-threatening injuries.

He was rescued from the ditch embankment by emergency services who had received reports that he was in water in a drainage route.

Det Insp 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.

"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."