A CYCLIST has died more than three months after he was found in a coma beside his bike.

Kenneth Hansford, 58, was discovered in a Chorlton park with serious head injuries.

Police were unsure whether he had been the victim of an attack or was involved in an accident.

Now they are hoping that a post mortem will help establish how he got his injuries.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to the incident, on April 22.

Mr Hansford was found by a jogger on a tarmac track in the Jackson's Boat area of Chorlton Water Park at around 3pm.

He was lying unconscious with head injuries, a broken collarbone, a collapsed lung and bruising and scratches over his body.

He was taken to hospital but never came round.

Mr Hansford was wearing brown trousers, a blue Nike waterproof jacket and a purple and white striped long-sleeved shirt.

Distinct

His distinctive bike - which he often rode through the park - was an old-style, red drop-handle racing cycle with a black satchel attached to the back.

It has the words "Claud Butler" and "Dalesman" on the frame.

He was a retired pharmaceutical company worker who lived alone at Highfield Avenue, Sale.

Stephanie Burston, one of Mr Hansford's two sisters, said: "Kenneth was a quiet and private man but he will always be remembered for his excellent sense of humour.

"He was an extremely clever person with a wide range of interests, including medieval history and nature. He was an avid reader of all types of books and had recently been trying to learn Greek. Kenneth worked as an industrial chemist for the Lord Corporation in Manchester for many years. His work took him to places like Europe and America and he was very well travelled.

"After he retired in 1993, Kenneth became an avid cyclist. He also loved cooking, especially Italian food.

"We would like to thank all the medical and nursing staff at Preston General Hospital, where he spent some time, and all the staff on ward A6 and in the intensive care unit at Wythenshawe Hospital for their heroic efforts to help and care for Kenneth."

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at West Didsbury on 0161 856 6152 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

david.ottewell@men-news.co.uk

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