TWO men have been released on bail as part of a murder investigation in Sale.

Shortly before 9.50pm on Christmas Day, police were called to a report that a man had been assaulted at a property in Egerton Drive in Sale.

The 79-year-old ­— who has been formally identified as Graham Liddle ­— was taken to hospital with multiple injuries.

He died in hospital on Friday morning.

A 66-year-old man and a 44-year-old man were both arrested on suspicion of murder.

A post-mortem confirmed that the injuries he suffered have contributed to his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Amber Waywell, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This is an ongoing investigation into the tragic death of Graham and our thoughts remain with all those that knew him.

“Detectives continue to carry out further enquiries to get to the bottom of what happened to Graham on Christmas Day.

“Although we have made significant steps with this investigation, we would still appeal for anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward.

“We believe Graham was assaulted around 9.20pm and we are keen for people to get in touch that might have seen or heard anything suspicious.”

Details can be passed on to the MIT team by calling 0161 856 2491 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number 1583 of 25 December 2018.