A man has been charged with murder after a grandfather was reportedly killed while trying to stop a suspected car thief from stealing his Land Rover.
Christopher Hanley died on Saturday after reportedly clinging to the bonnet of his prized motor in a desperate attempt to stop it from being snatched.
The 57-year-old was found ‘unresponsive’ in Olympic Street, Beswick, Manchester, shortly before 11am and despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Marvin Sutton, 35, has been charged with the beloved grandfather’s murder and has been remanded into custody, Greater Manchester Police revealed today.
He is set to appear at Tameside Magistrates later today, while another 43-year-old man has been put on bail on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Christopher Hanley died on Saturday after trying to stop a suspected car thief from stealing his Land Rover
The 57-year-old was found unresponsive in the street in Beswick, Manchester at 11am on Saturday. Pictured: Police at the junction of Holly Street and Olympic Street on Saturday
Mr Hanley tragically died at the scene, despite the help of paramedics. Pictured: Police at the scene on Saturday
GMP said: ‘Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident from the morning of Saturday 16 March when reports were received of an unresponsive male on Olympic Street in Manchester.
‘Anyone with further information that may help with enquiries are asked to call 101 quoting incident 1172 of 16/03/2024.’
Following the tragic incident, Mr Hanley’s family released a statement and photo of the beaming grandfather while cradling a baby in his arms.
They wrote: ‘As a family we are heartbroken and shocked at the sudden loss of Chris. A loved and devoted family man who adored his grandchildren, tragically and unfairly, taken way too soon.
‘At this time, we as a family ask for privacy to show respect for Chris and his memory.’
Police said initial enquiries suggested Mr Hanley had been hit by a black Land Rover, believed to be his own car, as it was being stolen.
It’s understood the Land Rover was stolen from an address in nearby Holly Street and a blue forensics tent was erected at its junction with Olympic Street, where it’s thought the Mr Hanley was struck.
Flowers have been left near the scene of the ‘horrible’ incident, with residents living close by speaking out about the alleged murder.
One local resident, James Short, said Mr Hanley’s death had sent ‘shockwaves’ through the estate, which is just two miles from Manchester city centre.
‘It’s normally quite a quiet neighbourhood and we don’t get much trouble,’ he said.
‘So this incident has really affected the residents.’