Michael Heaton, 26, died in a car park
16:01, 06 Jan 2026Updated 17:01, 06 Jan 2026
Another homeless person has died on Manchester’s streets (stock image)(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
A young man who is thought to have been homeless was found dead in a car park in Manchester city centre. Michael Heaton died on December 30 on New Wakefield Street, off Oxford Road.
At this stage, it’s not known what caused the 26-year-old’s death. The coroners office is awaiting the results of a post mortem and a date for an inquest is yet to be set.
Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment. In a now deleted next of kin appeal, the force’s city centre division said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Heaton’s death.
Manchester council said Mr Heaton had been offered long-term supported housing last month. He booked in on December 23, before leaving on Boxing Day.
New Wakefield Street, Manchester city centre(Image: Google)
His death came just four days after homeless dad Anthony Horn was found dead on Boxing Day morning. The 47-year-old died on a walkway next to a canal near the Bridgewater Hall.
Friends said Mr Horn was one of a small group of homeless men who regularly slept under an overhang at the back of the concert venue. It’s thought the dad-of-one may have died from the cold.
Mr Horn, originally from Bury, had been homeless and estranged from his family for around eight to 10 years, his sister Linda Horn told the Manchester Evening News She described her brother as a ‘lovely lad’ but said he disappeared around a decade ago after experiencing ‘catastrophic heartache’.
She said: “We were really close when we were younger. He was generous and caring.”