A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a 19-year-old man died a week after an "horrendous" attack.

Paul Croft, from Eccles, suffered serious head injuries when he was assaulted shortly before 8pm in an alleyway by The Lord Nelson Pub, Pendlebury.

He was taken to Hope Hospital, Salford for treatment where he died on Thursday afternoon. Six people have been arrested and bailed in connection with the murder.

A 25-year-old man from Clifton was arrested on Thursday morning and three boys, two aged 17 and one 16, were arrested on Wednesday.

A man and woman, both in their 20s, from the Clifton area were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

All were bailed until June 30 pending further enquiries. Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the murder.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Pendleton CID on 0161 856 5040 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.