The Daily Telegraph - Saturday
Torso found yards from Man United academy
Crime editor
A MURDER investigation has been launched after a dismembered human torso wrapped in plastic was discovered only yards from Manchester United’s training academy.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public on Thursday afternoon in woodland in Kersal Dale in Salford. The area, which is close to The Cliff facility, where Manchester United used to train and where the club’s academy is now based, has been sealed off.
Due to the state of the remains, it was not initially known what they were, but a pathologist who was called to the scene confirmed they were human.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said while the remains had not been identified detectives had confirmed it would not be possible for the victim to have survived and therefore a murder investigation had been launched.
Police are searching in the local area for other body parts and believe the torso had been there for between 24 and 36 hours before being found.
Detectives believe the remains belong to an adult yet are unable to confirm their gender and age. No arrests have been made as yet.
Det Supt Lewis Hughes from 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 enquiries, provide reassurance and to listen to any concerns. I encourage anyone who may have relevant information to speak to these officers.
“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.”
He urged anyone with any information to call 101 and to quote log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.