A MURDER investigation has begun after the victim of a "frenzied" street beating in Manchester died in hospital.

Patrick Neenan's hospital life support machine was switched off after he was left unconscious following the unprovoked attack.

Mr Neenan, known as Paddy, had been drinking with a friend in the Ancoats area on 2 February when he was set upon in Old Mill Street.

On Monday police said they wanted to speak to local man Mark Donnelly, 36, who they "believe can shed light on the events of that evening".

Mr Neenan had been drinking in The Stadium pub with a friend before the attack close to the junction with Carruthers Street at about 8.30pm.

It had been a difficult time for Paddy recently, because his mum had just died

Father-of-two Mr Neenan, 43, was punched and kicked to the ground by his attacker, who then subjected him to the "frenzied kicking" about the head, police said.

His attacker, who police believe he knew, then turned and walked away from the scene.

Mr Neenan was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where he remained unconscious until the machine was switched off last Friday.

A post mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries.

Mr Neenan's wife, 41-year-old Tracy, said he was a "hard working family man who adored his two sons".

"It had been a difficult time for him recently, because his mum had just died, and her funeral was on the Friday," said Mrs Neenan.

"He will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Detective Superintendent Simon Barraclough, who is leading the investigation, appealed for drivers using Old Mill Street at the time of the attack to come forward.

"Two black cab drivers drove past the scene at about the time of the attack, and we would also ask them to come forward as well as Mr Donnelly," said Mr Barraclough.