Detectives are to launch the next phase of a murder investigation after body parts were found in Kersal Dale Wetlands 12 days ago.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed the body parts found were the bottom part of a back, buttocks and thigh which were wrapped in clear plastic and found by a passer-by.

Days after the probe was launched, a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder but was released on bail pending further inquiries.

After searching the area, officers are now standing down from the scene.

However, the work is far from over and police want to hear from witnesses or people who know something about what happened to come forward.

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Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who was in the area between 6am and 6pm on Thursday, April 4.

From their vast CCTV trawls, they have seen children playing in the area in the days leading up to the victim being found, who could hold crucial information without even realising it.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Naismith of GMP’s Major Incident Team, 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.

“We are confident with the extent of our search and that it’s the right time to stand the scene down.

“Over the last 12 days, over 100 officers, several search dogs, Crime Scene Investigators, and scientists have worked tirelessly in difficult conditions, searching the area by strategically combing through Kersal Dale Wetlands and its surrounding area.

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“Although we haven’t found any more human remains in the area from our searches, we continue to work with an open mind whilst our murder investigation continues.”

Forensic work has confirmed that the man is likely to be over 40 years old and white, but his identity is still unknown.

There are no distinguishing marks on his body like tattoos or scars and his nationality is still unconfirmed.

DCI Naismith added: “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.

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“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. “The cooperation and patience from the people of Greater Manchester is greatly appreciated.

“The community has given us the time and space we needed at the scene in the last week, and we continue to feel their support as we work to find answers. What I can say is that we aren’t stopping here.”

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. Please come forward by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.

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

A dedicated portal for anyone to submit images or video footage which could help police can be found here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)