Police have discovered more human remains in two locations after widening a murder investigation in a nature reserve in Salford following the discovery of an unidentified torso.
In a news conference early on Sunday, police revealed they had extended their search area to include four different spots after “uncovering more intelligence” relating to the investigation.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched the case after a civilian found a torso wrapped in clear plastic at Kersal Wetlands in Salford on 4 April. The victim was believed to be a white male older than his 40s, who had been dead for a matter of days.
Two men, aged 42 and 68, were arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this week, while a 20-year-old man previously arrested was released on bail pending inquiries.
In their latest update, the GMP said they believe the torso belongs to a man in his 60s and they have informed his family about his death. The human remains were found at Salford’s Blackleach Reservoir and Linneyshaw Colliery Wood.
Earlier, Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said they had “uncovered more intelligence” and were expanding their search to include four scenes.
They included Worsley Road in Winton, Blackleach Reservoir and Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, where the latest remains were found, and Mitchell Street in Bury.
“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,” he said.
“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 to keeping you updated as and when we make further developments.”
Hundreds of officers, as well as divers and search dogs, have been combing the area by the nearby River Irwell since the torso was identified.
The identity of the victim remains unclear despite a scan of DNA databases. Police previously said the remains, which include the bottom of the back, buttocks and thigh, had no distinguishing marks.
Detective Superintendent Hughes said at the time: “[The victim] is a man over the age of 40, with white skin tone, believed to be European, and most likely had blonde or light brown hair and blue eyes.”
The two suspects currently in extended custody are believed to know one another. The 42-year-old was arrested as officers boarded a bus in Eccles Old Road on Friday. The older suspect was arrested at a property nearby.