The bad smell that triggered a huge new search of beauty spot in Salford murder inquiry

A bad smell triggered a new search of a beauty spot which is at the centre of a murder inquiry. Nearly three weeks ago, human remains were found in Kersal Dale in Salford.

The lower back, buttocks, and a thigh were wrapped in cellophane and left in plain sight near a footpath. GMP mounted a 12-day search of the location and the nearby Kersal Wetlands.

At the weekend a search was resumed. Today, the Manchester Evening News can reveal it was re-started after reports of a pungent odour in the vacinity - but it turned out to be sulphur.

A huge amount of resources were mobilised after the remains were found on April 4 with sniffer dogs, Tactical Aid Unit staff, forensic officers, and an underwater search team being deployed. The victim is thought be a male aged over 40. The man is white but no nationality has been confirmed.

GMP has confimed that DNA testing has revealed the victim is not on the UK Police Database. No further body parts have been discovered and there was no clothing attached to the remains.

The inquiry was triggered at 5.50pm on Thursday, April 4, when a person out walking found the remains. Police believe children playing in a concrete bunker near where human body parts were found could have vital information for murder detectives. Police are keen to trace witnesses who were in the area, off Radford Street, between 6am and 6pm on April 4th

Last week, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith, Senior Investigating Officer on the investigation, said: “Our focus from day one has remained on the victim’s family. They will be suffering the loss of a loved one, and we need to be able to give them answers to they can come to terms with their loss. Our work is far from over, this is just the beginning of a long and complex investigation.

“We are confident with the extent of our search and that it’s the right time to stand the scene down. Over the last 12 days, over 100 officers, several search dogs, Crime Scene Investigators, and scientists have worked tirelessly in difficult conditions, searching the area by strategically combing through Kersal Dale Wetlands and its surrounding area

“Although we haven’t found any more human remains in the area from our searches, we continue to work with an open mind whilst our murder investigation continues. My team have checked the victim’s DNA against the UK police database and although this does not bring up a match, there is extensive work ongoing, including trawls of various other databases, missing person records and medical records; it’s a big piece of work which will take time."

Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area are being urged to call 101 quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A dedicated portal for anyone to submit images or video footage which could help police can be found here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)