CrimeSearch teams continue to investigate human remains found in Kersal Dale

Search teams continue to investigate human remains found in Kersal Dale

Detectives are continuing to investigate following the discovery of human remains in Kersal Wetlands on Thursday evening.

A passerby had discovered an “unknown item wrapped in plastic” in the woodlands, which was found to be a torso without identifying marks.

Police are working to determine the identity of the person whose remains have been found.

Through initial forensic and DNA testing, the victim is a man, who is likely to be older than 40 years old. It is believed he has only been deceased for a few days.

On Sunday night, a 20-year-old man from the local area was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives.

Officers say their main aim to establish who the victim is as they are keen to get in touch with the family and they say they will not stop work until they are certain they have thoroughly searched this area.

Local officers and specialist branches in the force, including search dogs and underwater search teams will help comb every inch of the area.

Chief superintendent Tony Creely said: “The arrest we made yesterday evening is an important step for our investigation, but we must keep an open mind and a big part of this is speaking to anyone who may have crucial information.

“As we continue to work in the area, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their concern and cooperation so far, and we are mindful this is a disturbing incident for the local community, but I can assure you that since we were made aware, we’ve been pursuing every single line of enquiry to help us find out what has happened.

“I cannot stress the importance of people contacting us with information if they know anything at all.

“You may have information that you don’t feel is of importance, but it could be to us, please pass it on, it could be the key piece of information we need to progress this investigation.

“Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the last few days, could be key to unlocking what happened is asked to come forward by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of April 4, 2024.”

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Helen Greaney
Helen Greaney
I'm a journalist with more than 18 years' experience on local, regional and national newspapers, as well as PR and digital marketing. Crime and the courts is my specialist area but I'm also keen to hear your stories concerning Manchester and the greater North West region.
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