Gas engineers on site after tragic deaths of mum and son in Rochdale

An investigation is underway after a man in his 60s was found dead at a house in Greater Manchester and a woman at property - thought to be his mother - passed away in hospital a short time later.

Neighbours reported the sound of a bang coming from the house on Foxholes Road in Rochdale just after 5pm on Friday (27 December).

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it attended the scene between 6pm and 8pm, before handing over to police.

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths.

A GMP spokesman said: "At around 5.10pm on Friday, December 27 2024, we were called to reports of a concern for welfare on Foxholes Road in Rochdale. Sadly, a man in his 60s was found dead at the scene and a woman in her 80s later died in hospital.

"There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding their deaths. Investigations are ongoing."

A spokesman for Cadent said: "I can confirm that Cadent engineers attended a property in Foxholes Road last night in support a multi-agency response.

"We now know that two people have died and, on behalf of everyone at Cadent, I offer our sincere condolences to their family and friends.

"As the region's gas emergency service, it is routine in an incident of this nature for Cadent to be asked to check everything associated with gas is safe.

"We did this and left about 45 minutes after our arrival at the address.

"The cause of death will be investigated by other agencies. If anyone ever smells gas, or suspects the presence of carbon monoxide, act immediately and call the gas emergency service on 0800 111 999. All calls are recorded and may be monitored."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: "At just before 6.15pm on Friday (December 27) three fire engines from Rochdale and Littleborough fire stations were called by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) reports of a concern for welfare on Foxholes Road in Rochdale.

"Firefighters worked alongside colleagues from North West Ambulance Service and Cadent Gas to make the scene and surrounding area safe. Crews were in attendance for around one hour and 45 minutes."

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