Further human remains have been discovered by Greater Manchester Police amid an ongoing murder probe.

A major investigation was launched on April 4 after a passer-by found a lower back, buttocks and a thigh wrapped in multiple sheets of cellophane at Kersal Dale.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they believe the victim was a man in his 60s from Salford and his family have been informed.

The remains were found by officers at Blackleach Reservoir and a dog walker at Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, both in Salford, on Sunday and Saturday evening respectively.

It is thought the victim was known to two men, aged 42 and 68 and from Salford, who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and remain in custody, the force said. A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “While this is significant progress, we know there is still some way to go to complete this investigation.

"I also recognise the details of this case will have been particularly distressing for the people of Salford and beyond, including our officers who have worked diligently to progress this investigation, and most importantly, to the man’s heartbroken family.

"Local officers will continue to patrol the affected areas and we will provide updates when we have information."

More to come...