Human remains found wrapped in plastic at a nature reserve in Greater Manchester are those of a man older than 40 and who had been dead for only a matter of days, police said.
A human torso was found on the Kersel Wetlands, former home of the Manchester racecourse, on Thursday evening, Greater Manchester police said.
The force said a team of experienced detectives in the major incident team were working around the clock alongside local investigators from Salford.
Forensic specialists, search teams and a dog unit are on the scene trying to find more evidence.
Chief Supt Tony Creely, the district commander for Salford, said: “This is a tragic case which is moving at pace and, thanks to forensic tests, we are able to confirm that the victim is a man who could not have survived.
“At the heart of our investigation is this man and his family. We are using all forensic techniques available to identify him as soon as we can so we are able to support his loved ones during this devastating time.
Creely acknowledged that the presence of the police and specialist teams will have caused some disruption to life in the local area and thanked the public for their cooperation.
He added: “There remain a number of unknowns around this case, but we are working diligently and respectfully to provide answers as soon as we are able. This will take time and we will continue to provide updates of significance when we can.”
Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the past few days is urged to call 101.
Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
