SALFORD, UK – The Greater Manchester Police have arrested two men, aged 42 and 68, on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a human torso in a nature reserve in Salford. The body part, consisting of the lower back, buttocks, and thighs, was found wrapped in clear plastic in the Kersal Dale Wetlands in Salford on April 4.
The victim is presumed to be a white male over the age of 40 and estimated to have been dead for several days before the find. Police believe one of the suspects was arrested on a bus on Eccles Old Road, while the other was taken into custody from an address on Worsley Road. Both suspects are believed to be acquaintances.
Following an extensive analysis of hundreds of footage from the CCTV, Police were able to make the arrests. However, the investigation is still in its early stages. Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from the Greater Manchester Police’s serious crime division said in a statement that they are determined to identify the victim and how he met with this tragic death. Hughes asked for anyone whose missing relative matches the victim’s description to come forward.
Earlier, on April 4, a passerby discovered the remains while walking through the reserve. Despite a follow-up search by over 100 officers, search dogs, and investigators, no other remains have been found. Police had temporarily suspended bin collections following concerns that the killer might have disposed of more remains.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on April 6 but subsequently released on bail in connection with the case. The Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact them via their helpline or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers.