Police say an investigation is underway
21:31, 26 Dec 2025Updated 22:47, 26 Dec 2025
Police were called to Bridgewater Hall in Manchester city centre following reports of a body(Image: @madd_manneh)
Police are investigating after a body was found next to Bridgewater Hall. The discovery was made on a walkway at the rear of the concert venue on Boxing Day morning.
The spot – known as somewhere homeless people sleep – is next to a Rochdale Canal Lake and close to office blocks and apartments. The area was cordoned by police on Boxing Day morning as GMP began an investigation into the death, which is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for GMP said: “Officers were called to reports of a body near Bridgewater Hall a 9.30am this morning (26/12/25). Sadly, the male was pronounced dead at the scene. It is being treated as non-suspicious and enquires remain ongoing.”
The Manchester Evening News understands that one line of inquiry police are looking into is that the man died while sleeping rough.
The temperature fell to around 4C before dawn on Boxing Day, according to data from the Whitworth Observatory. A blue police tent was in place at the rear of the concert venue for most of the day.
Police were called to Bridgewater Hall in Manchester city centre following reports of a body(Image: Liam Richardson)
One person, @Mad_Manneh, posted Instagram: “Outside Bridgewater Hall, next to the canal, a police cordon and forensic tent stood in silence. I asked what was happening. Police confirmed a person has sadly passed away. No further details at this stage, more information to be released in due course.
“While people enjoy concerts and celebrations, others spend Christmas unseen. A sobering reminder that not everyone’s festive season is filled with warmth or joy.”