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Delivery driver, 70, dies on birthday after Ashton-under-Lyne robbery Delivery driver, 70, dies on birthday after Ashton-under-Lyne robbery
(35 minutes later)
A man has died on his 70th birthday after suffering head injuries during a robbery while making a delivery, prompting a murder investigation. A delivery driver has died on his 70th birthday after a suspected car-jacking during a drop-off at a laundry.
James Ray appears to have either been pushed or to have fallen as his van was stolen. James Ray suffered serious head injuries after either being pushed or falling while unloading washing powder from his van.
The robbery happened at Plantation Industrial Estate in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester on Thursday. The robbery happened at Plantation Industrial Estate in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, on Thursday, police said.
The grandfather, from York, died in hospital in the early hours of Friday. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of Mr Ray's murder.
Two men from the Heywood area of Manchester have been arrested and a third man is being sought. The pair, aged 23 and 44, remain in custody for questioning.
The white transit van was later found abandoned. There was nothing of value in the vehicle at the time of the robbery, police said. 'Abhorrent act'
Mr Ray was due to celebrate his birthday with a party his family had planned in York. Police have not ruled out that the injury was the result of Mr Ray being attacked and a third man is being sought.
The grandfather, from Easingwold near York, died in hospital on Friday.
Mr Ray suffered an injury to the back of his head and died at about 05:30 GMT following the robbery at about 11:30 a day earlier.
The white transit van was later found abandoned. There was nothing of value in the vehicle at the time, police said.
The grandfather-of-four was due to celebrate his birthday with wife Vivian, son Adrian, daughter Catherine and other relatives.
In a statement his family said: "We are completely and utterly devastated by the death of James who was killed on the very day of his birthday.
"He has left behind his wife, a son, a daughter and four grandchildren who are stunned by this abhorrent act of violence."
Det Supt Jonathan Chadwick said: "They are devastated, that's the only word you can use, instead of celebrating his birthday they are going to have to start to plan his funeral."