A missing dad has tragically been found dead in a car in Oldham.

A major search for Christopher Neary, 58, was launched last Thursday after he was last seen by a neighbour and was reported missing. He had left his flat on Lees New Road in the Oldham area at around 6.55pm and at the time, his family said it was believed he was travelling in his silver Ford Focus.

Then on Monday night, police, paramedics and fire crews were alerted to a car that had left the carriageway off Lees New Road, close to the junction of Abbey Hills Road. Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man was found dead inside, and he has since been identified as missing dad Mr Neary.

The car left the carriageway off Lees New RoadView 3 Images

The car left the carriageway off Lees New Road(Image: Jason Holland/Joshua Hawkins)

Images from the scene on Tuesday showed a gap in the hedgerow at the side of the road after the vehicle went down an embankment, reports Manchester Evening News.

It is not known exactly when or how the collision happened, with investigations by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) ongoing. Anyone with information is being urged to contact the force, including anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, from around 6.50pm on May 28 until Monday, June 1.

A statement by GMP said: “Christopher had been reported as missing by his family last week, and who have now asked for privacy as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one. We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of the crash, including exactly when the collision occurred and its causes.

Police at the scene following the discovery of Mr Neary's bodyView 3 Images

Police at the scene following the discovery of Mr Neary’s body(Image: MEN)

“As our enquiries continue, we are asking anyone with any information relating to the collision, or the events leading up to it, to please get in touch with us.”

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Meanwhile, Detective Inspector Clare Harrison, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “Firstly, I want to extend my condolences to Christopher’s family and friends – this is a tragic outcome and I want to ensure that we provide them with the answers they deserve.

“We are working hard to establish the circumstances that led to his death – including his movements in the days preceding, and in which he was reported missing, as well as the exact cause of the collision.

“If anyone has any information they can share, I would urge them to do so. Even the smallest amount of detail could greatly benefit our investigation.”

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