A MAN found hanged at Whitefield Metrolink Station had been quizzed 24 hours earlier by police over rape and sex assault allegations.

The 69-year-old, whose name has not been formally released, was found dead by horrified commuters who were making their way to work at 8.25am on Thursday, December 12.

His body was seen by hundreds of people, including distraught schoolchildren, who were offered counselling as they arrived for class, or sent home due to their distress.

The day before the incident, the man, who is from Tameside, was arrested by Greater Manchester Police and taken to a station for questioning.

Police say the man was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault. He was interviewed about the allegations and then allowed home.

He had been ordered to return to the station to answer bail at a future date.

The circumstances surrounding the incident were referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), as a matter of routine.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman told The Guide: “On Wednesday December 11, a 69-year-old man from Tameside was arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault. The man was bailed pending further enquiries.

“Due to previous police contact with the man involved, a referral was made to the IPCC. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

Because of the IPCC referral, an inquest into the man’s death has yet to begin.

An inquest at Bury and Rochdale Coroners Court is due to be opened early in the New Year.