Headless torso found wrapped in plastic belonged to man over 40 who had only been dead for a few days, police reveal as they continue to probe Salford nature reserve mystery

A headless torso found wrapped in plastic likely belonged to a man over the age of 40 who had been dead for a few days, police revealed today as they continue to probe a horror discovery at a nature reserve in Salford.

Specialists from forensics units, search teams and dog unit have been working around the clock at a secluded wooded area in Kersal Dale to try to discover more that might help the investigation, police said in an updated statement today.

So far, forensic examinations have only determined the man was likely aged over 40 and had recently died - but 'nothing further than the human remains is yet to have been found'.

Chief Superintendent Tony Creely, 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.'

Mr Creely added: 'I would like to thank the public for their cooperation in the last few days. 

'The presence of our officers and specialist teams will have caused disruption in the local area – and may continue to for some time yet – but we value any information they have been able to pass to us.

'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.'

Police were called to a secluded wooded area on Kersal Dale after a member of the public found the remains wrapped in plastic at around 5.50pm on Thursday.

Forensic investigations concluded on Friday that the victim was a man and likely in his 40s.

Police said previously they believe the body belonged to an adult, and that there were no identifying marks on the remains. 

Officers are now searching for other body parts, while a postmortem will be carried out to try and identify the victim. 

However, they are not expecting the examination to reveal a cause of death because the full body has not been found.

The torso was found without arms or a head, MailOnline understands.  

Police believe the remains had been there for between 24 and 36 hours before being found.

A large woodland area remains cordoned off this afternoon while forensic officers work on the scene. No arrests have been made. 

Greater Manchester Police has urged the public to come forward with 'any information' about the gruesome find. 

Superintendent Tony Creely told a press conference today: 'We do not know the identity of the person or whether they're male or female. 

'We do know, though, that these remains are human, and they would not be possible for them to have survived.

'From forensic inquiry so far, we believe that these remains are likely to have been here for a matter of days. It really is a tragic case.

'Our priority now is establishing who this person is, and ensuring that we carry out a diligent and respectful investigation on behalf of that person and their family, whoever they may be.'

He said that the force's forensic teams and detectives will be in the area 'for some time'.

'We're speaking to those locals in the area, dog walkers, passers by, or anyone else who might have the smallest bit of information.

'We need to make a breakthrough in this case and we urge anyone with any information whatsoever to contact the police without delay.' 

• Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.