Police widen search in torso murder investigation

Police officers carry out searches at Kersal Dale
Remains of the unidentified victim were found in Kersal Dale Wetlands on 4 April [PA Media]

Police are widening their search in their investigation into the discovery of a man’s torso at a nature reserve.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they had received extra intelligence after remains of the unidentified victim, believed to be in his 40s, were found wrapped in plastic in Salford's Kersal Dale Wetlands on 4 April.

Two men, aged 42 and 68, were arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this week.

Police believe the suspects, who remain in extended custody for further questioning, know each other.

Police officers by a forensic tent at Kersal Dale
Two arrested men remain in police custody [PA Media]

The remains were found by a passer-by and are thought to be that of a white man, who had been dead for several days.

A GMP spokesperson said there had been "further breakthroughs" and police now had "four current scenes in place".

They included Worsley Road in Winton, Blackleach Reservoir and Linneyshaw Colliery Wood in Salford, along with Mitchell Street in Bury.

In a statement, police said the cordons were to "preserve any evidence found while also making sure we leave no stone unturned".

Det Supt Lewis Hughes added GMP had been "trawling through hundreds of hours of CCTV, alongside recording several accounts from the public".

"The four scenes in place are to make sure we investigate thoroughly and continue with our good progress," he said.

He continued to appeal for anyone with information to contact them.

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