Family heartbroken after Beswick man killed during car theft

Christopher Hanely's family said he was a "loved and devoted family man"

The family of a man killed by his own Land Rover as he tried to stop it from being stolen have said they are "heartbroken by his sudden loss".

Christopher Hanely, aged 57, died on Saturday in the Beswick area of Manchester.

His family paid tribute to him as a "loved and devoted family man" who was "tragically and unfairly, taken way too soon".

Two men have been arrested after a murder investigation was launched.

Greater Manchester Police previously said he had been "trying to stop his car from being stolen".

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 43-year-old man has also been held on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Mr Hanley was found unresponsive on Olympic Street by paramedics and later pronounced dead at the scene after police said he tried to stop his vehicle from being stolen.

The 57-year-old's family said he "adored his grandchildren" and asked "for privacy to show respect for Chris and his memory".

Det Ch Insp Rachel Smith said the force was continuing to "work diligently to ensure we apprehend all those responsible".

"I would urge anyone with information to come forward so that we can get justice for Chris and his family."

Christopher Hanley was found on Olympic Street near the junction with Holly street

Earlier, Olympic Street residents said they heard a car revving its engine before emergency services arrived in the area.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said one of the people who responded first was "an off-duty nurse".

"It has been a bit of a shock, but no-one knows who he was, so we are all in the dark," they said.

Bunches of flowers have been left at the roadside on Holly Street, at the bottom of Olympic Street, which had a damaged street sign, but locals said this was not as a result of Saturday's incident.

Why not follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]