A FATHER-of-three was found dead with serious head injuries, just minutes after having a laugh and a joke with a drinking pal.

Shortly after Alan Barlow, aged 44, had left his friend as the two men walked home from the Bull's Head pub in Walkden, his body was discovered in Aspinall Crescent, Little Hulton.

He had sustained three serious injuries to the back of his head.

Detectives have still not ruled out foul play but are investigating the possibility that Mr Barlow slipped and hit his head on an ironwork fence.

Today police revealed Mr Barlow was last seen alive as he walked towards his house, laughing at a joke.

And Det Supt David Brown, who is leading a team of 20 officers probing Mr Barlow's death, revealed an analysis of forensic evidence could now prove vital.

He said: "Experts will review all forensic evidence collected to determine whether this was an accidental death or whether Mr Barlow was the subject of an attack."

Detectives are now conducting house-to-house inquiries in Little Hulton as they try to piece together the last few moments of Mr Barlow's life. His body was found at 12.40am on Sunday by a passing motorist. Other residents returning from a nearby pub recognised Mr Barlow, and his wife Lesley and three children were contacted.

It is understood one of Mr Barlow's teenage sons tried to give his father the kiss-of-life in a desperate bid to save him.

But Mr Barlow, who had been drinking for much of the day, died at the scene.

Yesterday a floral tribute had been placed at the scene and a police tarpaulin marked the spot where the body was discovered.

A police incident room has also been set up at Salford Crescent police station and anyone with information about Mr Barlow's deaths is asked to contact 0161 856 5464.