Salford murder probe LIVE as scene remains in place at nature reserve and police continue to quiz suspect after human remains found

Specialist officers are continuing to scour a nature reserve in Salford this morning after human remains were uncovered.

A murder investigation was launched after the grim discovery was made at the Kersal Wetlands on Thursday afternoon (April 4). A member of the public found an 'unknown item' wrapped in plastic near Radford Street.

Police later revealed this was believed to part of a man's torso and that the victim could not have survived. The victim has not yet been identified though he is believed to be 'older than 40' and has 'only been dead for a matter of days', officers said.

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On Saturday evening, a 20-year-old man, from the local area, was arrested on suspicion of murder. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said he remains in custody for questioning today.

This morning, specialist Tactical Aid Unit officers remain on the scene at the nature reserve. Officers are continuing to scour the area.

A number of police vehicles are stationed on the road next to the Kersal Wetlands, while the area remains cordoned off to walkers. Police said yesterday that officers had 'not yet found anything else that is of interest to the investigation'.

"Our work will not stop until we are certain we have thoroughly searched this area", police added. Sniffer dogs and divers helped combed the woodland on Sunday afternoon.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and quoting log number 2695 of April 4 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. A dedicated portal to submit images or video footage can be found here.

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