An investigation has been launched into the 'unexplained' death of a 44-year-old man who died a day after going to the pub.

Now identified as Lee Baillie, he died after being rushed to hospital on March 5. Police were called to a concern for welfare at an address on Rochdale Road in Middleton at around 1pm.

Enquiries are ongoing into his cause of death, with detectives now working to 'establish a timeline of his movements' before he was found and rushed to hospital.

Police believe he attended the New Inn pub, in Middleton, on the evening of Tuesday March 4, and are now appealing for witnesses and anyone that may know him to come forward.

Detective Inspector Katie Buntine, from Rochdale CID, said: “Lee’s death has come as a shock to all and it is still unclear what led to his death.

"Lee’s family and loved ones deserve to have answers following his death and we are working to ensure they get those answers.

“We are working to understand more about Lee’s life and his movements on the days leading up to his death, particularly on Tuesday 4 March and Wednesday 5 March.

“As we continue to establish a timeline of events, I would urge anyone in the local area, and who may have information, to please come forward.

“This includes anyone who knew Lee, saw him in the local community, or has any information on the people he associated with.

"You may have spoken to him or heard something, and your help could allow us to provide Lee's family with the answers they deserve.

“In particular, anyone who knew Lee or saw him attend the New Inn public house in Middleton, please contact us with any information you may have. Even if you consider something to be small and unimportant – your help could help us greatly with our investigation.”

You can contact police via 101 or our Live Chat function at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1433 of 05/03/25. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via their website.