Bacup: Fresh appeal to find Paul Brady's body after murder

Housing manager Paul Brady was last seen being bundled into the back of a van on the exclusive Lynn Court housing estate in Weir, near Bacup, by up to 15 attackers, 15 years ago. 

The 44-year-old was lured to the site to carry out a bogus repair at one of the properties before he was set upon by masked attackers, armed with a shotgun and baseball bats.

David Collier, a joiner, accompanying him, managed to flee but eyewitnesses saw Mr Brady being brutalised by the masked men and saw a limp body being driven away from the scene.

Two vehicles were used in the kidnapping. A van was later found abandoned off moorland and a Citroen Berlingo was discovered burnt out in Manchester.

Paul Brady

An investigation by Lancashire Police later saw drug dealer Paul Devalda, who was living in Padiham at the time, jailed for 21 years for his murder. 

Devalda, who had formerly lived in Prestwich, was bugged by police before his arrest, and was heard discussing getting rid of something 'on the moors'.

His henchmen Michael Dunphy, from Farnworth, and Daniel Jones, from Bacup, were given 11 and 10 years respectively for their roles in his disappearance. 

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Mr Brady, who was originally from Rochdale, had taken delivery of a major consignment of cocaine, with a street value of around £350,000, and it is believed Devalda and his gang had become aware of this and planned to abduct him and steal the drugs. 

However, 15 years on from his brutal murder, he has not been seen since that fateful day he was bundled into the back of the van. 

Paul Devalda, who is serving 21 years for murder

Now, police are urging anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Mr Brady's body to come forward to help his family gain closure. 

Superintendent Gareth Willis, Head of Major Crime at Lancashire Constabulary, said: "It’s been fifteen years since Paul Brady was kidnapped and murdered and my thoughts remain with his loved ones.

"While a number of people were convicted and jailed for their parts in his murder, Paul’s body has sadly never been found and I would appeal to anyone who may have any information as to where he may be to come forward and contact us.

"Loyalties and priorities may have changed over the years and finding Paul’s body would help bring some sense of closure to his family.

"Anyone with information should contact us on 101. Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."