Torso probe cops widen hunt as search continues for further remains

Murder squad police investigating the discovery of part of a torso have widened their probe, opening new crime scenes at a country park, a house, a commercial unit and woodland this weekend.

The developments followed intelligence received by police who said they were closing 'the net' on the perpetrators. Our pictures showed scene of crime officers today (Sunday) focussing on the back garden of a home and Blackleach Country Park, both in Salford, as well as a commercial unit at Mitchell Street in Bury. Police also opened a 'scene' at Linneyshaw Colliery Wood in Salford

They were among four police scenes that remain ongoing, the first one at a semi-detached home in Worsley Road in the Winton area of Eccles. One of two suspects was arrested there earlier this week.

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Today pictures showed work intensifying at the property, with scene of crime officers pictured focussing on the back garden.

Meanwhile underwater search teams and police sniffer dogs were spotted at Blackleach Country Park, where a large portion of the park at one end of the park's reservoir was cordoned off. Officers were seen tramping through woodland.

More than a dozen police vehicles were stationed at the park with uniformed officers manning the cordon to prevent dog walkers and others walking into the crime scene.

A smaller number of officers were spotted at the commercial unit in Bury and at the house on Worsley Road.

It's all part of a huge police investigation mounted earlier this month after a passer-by found, in plain sight, the lower back, buttocks, and a thigh of a man wrapped in cellophane, near a footpath. in Kersale Dale wetlands.

Two men were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of murder, a 42-year-old and a 68-year-old who police say they believe are known to each other. They remained in police custody today. Early on in the investigation, another man, aged 20, was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released under investigation.

The discovery of the remains triggered a 12-day search of Kersal Dale and nearby Kersal Wetlands with 100 GMP officers deployed, but no further body parts were found. The search was resumed but again called off when a pungent odour which triggered it was found to be sulphur.

Following the latest developments, Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: "As we close the net further on this investigation and uncover more intelligence, I want to reassure our communities we are doing everything in our power to ensure we obtain every available bit of available evidence.

"Our investigation so far has been a far-reaching and painstaking process, trawling through hundreds of hours of CCTV alongside recording several accounts from the public around the circumstances.

"The four scenes in place are to make sure we investigate thoroughly and continue with our good progress and remain committed on keeping you updated as and when we make further developments.

"We are still appealing to our local communities, if they have seen, heard or witnessed anything suspicious in the areas mentioned, please do the right thing and come forward as it is not too late and that tiny bit of detail you have could be crucial.

"You can do this by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 04/04/2024. If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”

A portal for anyone to submit images or video footage which could help officers can be found here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)