Salford: Children played just yards from human torso - police

A human torso was found at this bunker at Kersal Dale in Salford, police say

Children were playing just yards from a patch of woodland where a human torso was found prompting a murder investigation, police have said.

The victim, who was found wrapped in plastic in Salford on 4 April, remains unidentified.

The body part included the bottom of the back, buttocks and thigh of a man, aged over 40.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said children seen on CCTV in the area could "hold crucial information".

The force said a man in his 20s from Salford who was arrested on suspicion of murder on 6 April has since been bailed.

Twelve days on from the discovery by a bunker in Kersal Dale Wetlands the search, which involved over 100 officers, search dogs, and scientists, has ended.

No more human remains have been found.

GMP is appealing for anyone who was in the area on 4 April between 06:00 and 18:00 BST to come forward.

'Suffering loss'

The force said the victim had no distinguishing marks such as tattoos or noticeable scars.

His DNA has been checked against the UK police database without a match and detectives are now checking more missing person databases.

Det Ch Insp Andy Naismith said: "Our focus from day one has remained on the victim's family.

"They will be suffering the loss of a loved one, and we need to be able to give them answers so they can come to terms with their loss."

Police say it is the right time to stand down the search but the investigation continues

He added: "We are appealing to anyone who has a dad, brother, or son who they have not seen in over 12 days to come forward and speak to us.

"Our victim could be a family member, friend, co-worker or acquaintance and someone somewhere will have an idea of what has happened to him."