Scene at Kersal Dale closes as murder probe continues

The murder probe scene in Kersal has come to an end as more gruesome details on the human remains are revealed.

Police can confirm that the human remains found in the Kersal Dale woodland earlier this month consist of the bottom part of the back, buttocks, and thigh.

The extensive search of the Kersal Dale and Kersal Wetlands area has now closed as police appeal for witnesses who may have “key” information.

Police now want to hear from anyone who was in the area between 6am and 6pm on Thursday 4 April 2024.

From CCTV trawls, police say they have spotted children playing in the area in the days leading up to the victim being found. Police believe the children could possibly “hold crucial information without even realising it.”

Through initial forensic work, the police have confirmed that the man is likely to be older than 40 and appears to be white. There are also no distinguishing marks on his body, for example tattoos or noticeable scars.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith, Senior Investigating Officer on this investigation, said: “Our focus from day one has remained on the victim’s family. They will be suffering the loss of a loved one, and we need to be able to give them answers to they can come to terms with their loss.

“Our work is far from over, this is just the beginning of a long and complex investigation.

“My team have checked the victim’s DNA against the UK police database and although this does not bring up a match, there is extensive work ongoing, including trawls of various other databases, missing person records and medical records; it’s a big piece of work which will take time.

“Right now, as well as wanting to speak to those who may have been in the area where the body part was found, we are also appealing to anyone who has a dad, brother, or son who they have not seen in over 12 days to come forward and speak to us.

“Our victim could be a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance and someone somewhere will have an idea of what has happened to him.”

Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the last few days is urged to call 101 using the quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.

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