Further remains found and man identified in Kersal murder probe

Police have identified the victim in the Kersal murder investigation as further remains are found. 

Police believe the victim was in his 60s and lived in Salford.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder last week on April 25 after a human torso was found in the Kersal Dale woodlands.

The police believe the two men who remain in custody lived with the victim in Salford.

Specially-trained family liaison officers met with his family yesterday afternoon (April 28) to give them the devastating news.

Police found more remains at Blackleach Reservoir in Salford yesterday and on Saturday evening (April 27) a dog walker found a package containing human remains at Colliery Wood.

Police also searched a house in Winton where they believe the victim and the two suspects lived. Police said they found evidence “that the victim is likely to have died there – most likely in late March.”

#UPDATE | Across the weekend we have made more significant developments in our murder investigation following human remains being found in #Kersal Wetlands earlier this month.

Today we have four scenes in place across #Winton, #Salford and #Bury

More ➡️ https://t.co/h8U85OmHnA pic.twitter.com/TNtXczlhRs

— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) April 28, 2024

Over the last couple of days, police have also put four scenes in place for extensive searches – one of them is at a warehouse in Bury, and three of them are in Salford, including Blackleach reservoir.

Forensic tests will continue to establish whose remains these are, but the police are very confident that this is the victim in their investigation.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation, said: “While this is significant progress, we know there is still some way to go to complete this investigation.

“I also recognise details of this case will have been distressing for the people of Salford and beyond – including the officers that are diligently working on this investigation, and most importantly the man’s heartbroken family.

“Local officers will continue to patrol the affected areas, and we will provide updates when we have more information.”