Police cordon off an area of the Kersal Wetlands (Picture: MEN Media)
A murder investigation has been launched after human remains were found wrapped in plastic at a nature reserve in Manchester.
The remains were discovered in the woods at the Kersal Wetlands in Salford by a member of the public, who discovered an ‘unknown item wrapped in plastic’ and notified police.
A pathologist and detectives attended the scene and confirmed it was in fact human remains, GMP said.
A murder probe has now been launched as it was ‘not possible the victim could have survived’. The victim has not yet been identified.
Police have cordoned off an area of the Kersal Wetlands (Picture: MEN Media)
An evidence tent has been erected around the crime scene, and the area has been closed off to the public while forensic officers carry out their investigation.
The nature reserve sits between Littleton Road in the Salford area and off Bury New Road in the Prestwich area.
The remains, which are yet to be identified, were found at around 5.50pm on Thursday in a secluded woodland area where an extensive police scene has been put in place, the force said.
Police said it had been confirmed that it “would not be possible for the victim to have survived”, prompting them to launch a murder investigation.
No arrests have been made.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: ‘I want to assure the local community that although this is a disturbing and unsettling find, we have a large visible presence in the area to complete inquiries, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns.
‘I encourage anyone who may have relevant information to speak to these officers.
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‘A large scene is now in place, and is likely to remain for some time, whilst we work to unravel what exactly has happened here. The area is closed to members of the public.
‘The victim has not yet been identified, but we know that behind this discovery there will be a family who have lost a loved one, and we want to make sure they are supported as quickly as possible.
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.
I would ask that anyone who has any information that may be relevant to our inquiries, no matter how big or small, comes forward.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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