Detectives investigating the death of a man in his 40s, in Middleton, are appealing for the public’s help to determine his movements in the days leading up to his passing

Tuesday, 18 March 2025 16:45

By David Murphy

On Wednesday 5 March 2025 at approximately 1pm, we were called to a concern for welfare at a domestic address on Rochdale Road, in Middleton.

- On Wednesday 5 March 2025 at approximately 1pm, we were called to a concern for welfare at a domestic address on Rochdale Road, in Middleton.

- NWAS and police attended and a man, who was identified as 44-year-old Lee Baillie, was rushed to hospital but later he sadly died.

- His passing is still being treated as unexplained at this time and enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of his death.

NWAS and police attended and a man, who was identified as 44-year-old Lee Baillie, was rushed to hospital but later he sadly died.

His passing is still being treated as unexplained at this time and enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances of his death.

We are continuing to establish a timeline of Lee’s movements to gain a greater understanding of what he was doing prior to being rushed to hospital.

We believe he attended the New Inn pub, in Middleton, on the evening of Tuesday 4 March and so we are appealing for witnesses and anyone that may know him to come forward and help us with our enquiries.

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.

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