More human remains have been found in two locations in Greater Manchester after a torso was discovered in a nature reserve.
A major investigation was launched on April 4 after a passer-by found a lower back, buttocks and a thigh wrapped in multiple sheets of cellophane at Kersal Dale.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they believe the victim was a man in his 60s from Salford and his family have been informed.
Now, more remains were found by officers at Blackleach Reservoir and a dog walker at Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, both in Salford, on Sunday and Saturday evening respectively.
An noticeboard at the entrance to Kersal Dale, near Salford, Greater Manchester
PA
It is thought the victim was known to two men, aged 42 and 68 and from Salford, who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and remain in custody, the force said.
A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “Today we have found human remains at the reservoir, and last night, a dog walker found a package containing human remains at Linnyshaw Colliery Wood.
“Forensic tests will continue to establish whose remains they are, but we are very confident that it is the same victim. We have also been searching a house in Winton, where we believe the victim and the two suspects lived. We have found evidence to show the victim died there, most likely in late March.
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Forensic investigators at the scene in Kersal Wetlands earlier this month
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He continued: “While this is significant progress, we know that there is still some way to go to complete this investigation.
“I also recognise the details of this case will be particularly distressing to the people of Salford, and beyond, and most importantly to the man’s heartbroken family.
“Local officers will continue to patrol the affected areas and we will provide updates when we have information.”
DS Hughes said the force is still appealing to local communities to report anything suspicious they may have seen, heard or witnessed in the crime scene areas.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed formal identification of the remains has not yet taken place but should be completed by next week.
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting log number 2695 of 04/04/2024, and information can also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
