New areas searched in woodlands murder inquiry

Police said the new searches resulted from "exceptional detective work"

Police are examining new areas potentially linked to the murder of a man whose body was found dismembered in the north west of England.

Greater Manchester Police began a major investigation after a torso wrapped in plastic was discovered in a patch of woodland in Kersal Dale, Salford, on 4 April.

Further body parts were found in later searches.

Two men have been charged with murder and the victim was identified as 67-year-old Stuart Everett.

The scene in Kersal Dale where Mr Everett's torso was found wrapped in plastic

The force has commenced searches of new locations in north Manchester and Salford after "in depth CCTV and phone data enquiries".

Forensic investigators will be searching areas around Boggart Hole Clough and land near Walkden railway station in the coming days.

British Transport Police officers will also assist with searches land near Patricroft railway station.

The searches will involve crime scene investigators, canine units and underwater search divers, the force says.

Stuart Everett was described as "unique and endearing" by his family

Det Supt Lewis Hughes, leading the investigation, said the new searches resulted from "exceptional detective work" by his team.

“It is so important that we do this, we need to be able to provide Stuart’s family with the information they need to process this news," he said.

Manchester councillor Pat Karney, who represents Harpurhey and Collyhurst, posted on X about the scene in Boggart Hole Clough.

He said: "We have been told the park will be closed for some time. There is no threat to the local community or residents."

Mr Everett was described by his family as a "unique and endearing character" who "didn't deserve to die".

Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski, 68, and Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, appeared at Tameside Magistrates' Court on 29 April charged with Mr Everett's murder and were remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester Crown Court on 21 June.

A provisional date for a trial has been set for March 2025.