Police are appealing for witnesses after Stretford Grammar head Michael Mullins died in Partington
13:28, 21 Apr 2026Updated 17:43, 21 Apr 2026
Michael Mullins
The long-serving headteacher of Stretford Grammar School has tragically died in a crash.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a male cyclist was hit by a car at around 6pm on Paddock Lane in Altrincham yesterday evening (April 20). The road was closed with emergency services called to the scene but the cyclist tragically died of his injuries, the force said.
He has now been confirmed to be 56-year-old Michael Mullins, who had been the headteacher of Stretford Grammar School in Trafford for 17 years.
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The school was closed to students today (Tuesday, April 21) with deputy headteacher Liz Baxter writing to parents to inform them of the tragic news. Mr Mullins was understood to be on his way home when the collision occurred.
The school confirmed on its website today that the school would be closed. “It is with regret that the school will be closed for students due to unforeseen circumstances,” they said. “Further details will be sent out later in the day.”
Stretford Grammar School (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
In a full statement issued today, GMP said: “Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information after a cyclist has died in Trafford.
“Officers were called to Paddock Lane, at the junction with Warburton Lane and Dunham Road, Altrincham at around 6.10pm yesterday (20.04.26) following reports of a collision involving a cyclist and a car.
“The car failed to stop however over the course of yesterday and today, officers have made four arrests in relation to this incident. Three men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. All remain in custody for questioning.
Paddock Lane in Partington(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“The cyclist, a man in his 50s, was treated at the scene however despite best efforts by emergency services, he sadly died. Our thoughts are with his family, who are being supported by specialist officers.
“If you have any information or dashcam footage of this incident which could assist the investigation, please contact SCIU on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2771 of 20.04.26.
Michael Mullins was a long-serving head teacher at Stretford Grammar School(Image: Manchester Evening News )
“Alternatively, you can call us on 101 or talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Information can also be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Paying tribute, Stretford and Urmston MP Andrew Western said: “I am shocked and truly saddened to hear the devastating news of Mr Mullins’ tragic death. My thoughts and condolences go out to the staff and students at Stretford Grammar, and above all to Michael’s family and friends.
“Michael was a lovely man and in the conversations we had it was clear that the needs of the children in his care were always at the heart of everything he did. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him, here in the Stretford community and beyond.”