A woodland area in Salford has been closed off after human remains were reportedly found right near Manchester United’s old training ground, The Cliff.
Discovered in the Kersal Wetlands, just yards away from Man United‘s former first team facility where club academy operations and some matches still take place, Greater Manchester Police and forensics officers are now investigating what are said to be human remains left wrapped in plastic.
According to The Telegraph, who first reported the story on Friday, 5 April, the evidence was found around 5:30pm on Thursday afternoon and a murder investigation is now underway after a pathologist confirmed the remains to be that of a human.
Although details are still scarce, having first been reported as an ‘unknown item’ by passers-by, it is now thought that they had been left in the area for anywhere between 24 to 36 hours.
#WATCH | We’re investigating the discovery of human remains found at Kersal Wetlands in #Salford yesterday.
Our priority is establishing who this person is & ensuring that we carry out a diligent and respectful investigation with this person and their family at the heart of it. pic.twitter.com/EZ7IMvoyzQ
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) April 5, 2024
Local police address the media after human remains are found near The Cliff Training Ground in Salford.
No clear identifying marks were found on the remains and specifics like gender, age and ethnicity of the person have not yet been revealed.
ADVERTISEMENT
A post-mortem is due to be carried out but as no full body has been discovered, authorities will likely be unable to determine a cause of death, however, the nature of what was found means “it would not be possible for the victim to have survived”.
For now, a large police cordon has been put in place around the predominantly wooded surround which covers around 32 hectares just north of Manchester city centre.
ADVERTISEMENT
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes from GMP’s Serious Crime Division said in a statement that the area will remain sealed off to the public “for some time, whilst we work to unravel what exactly has happened here.”
The human remains are said to have been found just yards from The Cliff facility. (Credit: The Manc Group/Anthony Parkes via Geograph)
DS Hughes went on to add: “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. 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Anyone who thinks they may have witnessed something suspicious in the Kersal Dale area over the last few days could be key to unlocking what happened. I would ask that anyone who has any information that may be relevant to our enquiries, no matter how big or small, comes forward by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.”
As always, any details you may have and feel could be useful can also be passed on anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/GMP/Anthony Parkes (via Geograph)
News
Sexy Fish Manchester forced to temporarily close after huge Damien Hirst fish sculpture falls from wall
Daisy Jackson
Sexy Fish Manchester is temporarily closed after one of its impressive Damien Hirst sculptures fell from the wall of the luxury space – while diners were inside.
Videos shared online of the aftermath show the huge glittering sculpture smashed on the floor of the restaurant space, with chunks of concrete scattered.
The restaurant has a sign in the window confirming it is closed today due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.
A statement from Sexy Fish Manchester confirmed that the dazzling artwork, which was part of the Spinningfields restaurant’s multi-million-pound fit-out, fell during lunch service yesterday.
Sexy Fish Manchester opened in 2023 in a huge space in Spinningfields, filling it with opulent details like a sparkling octopus sculpture, mermaids, a waterfall, and a huge fish tank.
It was one of the city’s most impressive openings of that year and has drawn in crowds with its premium sushi and seafood menu.
The statue that fell is one of the 3D Damien Hirst pieces, this one featuring intertwined swordfish.
Today, scaffolding can be seen inside the restaurant as repairs take place, with plans to reopen soon.
Sexy Fish said: “Yesterday, a piece of art fell off the wall at Sexy Fish Manchester.
“Our team responded immediately, and is in close contact with guests who were dining at the time.
Weather warnings issued with parts of Greater Manchester set to be battered by torrential rain
Emily Sergeant
Large parts of Greater Manchester are set to be battered with heavy rain and strong winds this weekend.
Summer couldn’t be a thing of the past more if it tried, at least not for the North anyway, as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for a parts of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland – with Greater Manchester very much included in the mix, and set to see some pretty grim conditions over the coming days.
According to the Met Office‘, unsettled conditions ‘will prevail’ for many with heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend, and even a risk of thunderstorms too.
The yellow weather warning – which covers most of Greater Manchester, primarily the more northern boroughs – comes into place from 9am on Saturday (20 September) and will officially end at 6am on Sunday (21 September).
Weather forecasters are warning local residents to take care when the rough conditions hit.
“20-40 mm of rain is expected to fall widely, with some locations perhaps seeing 60-100 mm, with much of this total falling in just a few hours,” explained Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Tom Crabtree.
“From mid-Saturday onwards, increasingly strong gusty winds and perhaps some thunder will also accompany the rainfall, further increasing the risk of disruption.”
He also added that strong winds are ‘likely’.
“These may potentially exceed 55 miles per hour, however the exact location and timing remain uncertain at this time [so] we’re closely monitoring developments and may issue more warnings as the situation evolves.”
Danny Jones -
5th April 2024 
