A 21-year-old man found dead in a country lane on Christmas Day suffered stab wounds and head injuries, police said.

A murder investigation has been launched after Mohammed Aftab's body was discovered in Dyehouse Lane in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Officers were called to the scene at around 8.15am on Monday and he was formally identified the following day.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said he suffered "multiple head injuries and stab wounds to the neck" and the news of his death was "devastating" to his family.

Appealing for witnesses to come forward, Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wilkinson from the force's major incident team said: "Learning that their son has died has been understandably devastating for the family and our officers continue to support them at this difficult time.

"Due to the time of year, the area wasn't as busy as usual but there are people out there who know exactly how Mohammed's life was tragically taken and I cannot stress the importance that they contact us.

"Since the call came in, the dedicated team of officers have been working tirelessly on this case and will continue to do so until we track down those responsible and make them answer for this horrific crime."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9908 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.