Kersal Dale: More human remains discovered in torso murder probe

Further human remains have been discovered at two separate sites in Greater Manchester weeks after a torso was discovered. The initial discovery of a torso at Kersal Dale Wetlands in Salford on April 4 has led to a wider search, with additional remains now found by officers at Blackleach Reservoir and by a dog walker at Linneyshaw Colliery Wood.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) believe the victim was a man in his 60s from Salford, and his family has been notified. The torso, which included the lower back, buttocks, and thigh, was spotted wrapped in clear plastic by a member of the public exploring the wetlands area.

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. Search efforts extended to a residence on Worsley Road, Winton, where it is suspected that the victim and the two detained individuals resided.

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Clues gathered at the scene indicate that the victim likely died at this location towards the end of March. Formal identification of the remains has not yet taken place but should be completed by next week, GMP said.

In addition to the arrests, a 20-year-old man was taken into custody on suspicion of murder but has since been released on bail pending further investigations. Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from GMP's Serious Crime Division said: "While this is significant progress, we know there is still some way to go to complete this investigation.

"I also recognise the details of this case will have been particularly distressing for the people of Salford and beyond, including our officers who have worked diligently to progress this investigation, 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."

Mr 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. 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.