Man found dead at Snipe Clough Nature Reserve in Oldham

A man was found dead at Snipe Clough Nature Reserve on Monday morning after police answered a 9.15 am welfare call near Thatcher Street. Officers and paramedics sealed the woodland path while they confirmed the death, then lifted the cordon once they ruled out foul play.

The discovery came just as dog-walkers and commuters were starting to use the footpath that links Thatcher Street to the clough's lower meadows. Several residents reported seeing two ambulances and four police vehicles parked on the grass verge before the tape went up.

Greater Manchester Police say the man's family have been told and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Because the death is not treated as suspicious, no arrests are expected and the force will not refer the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

The incident is the second sudden death in Oldham's green spaces this month, though the earlier case at Alexandra Park remains unrelated. Council staff have not altered opening hours for Snipe Clough, but neighbourhood officers plan extra patrols over the coming week to reassure visitors.