Human remains found near Manchester United training academy belong to man in 40s

Human remains wrapped in plastic discovered near Manchester United’s training academy belong to a man in his 40s, police have said.

A murder investigation was launched after a member of the public discovered the body part on Thursday afternoon in woodland in Kersal Dale, Salford.

Officers have said that the victim is a man aged older than 40 who had been dead for days.

DNA tests are being carried out to identify the male.

The area, which is close to The Cliff facility where Manchester United used to train and the club’s academy is now based, was sealed off after police were alerted to the incident.

A pathologist who was called to the scene confirmed that the remains were human.

No arrests have been made.

Ch Supt Tony Creely, Greater Manchester Police’s 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.

“I would like to thank the public for their co-operation 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.”

The discovery comes days after a murder investigation was launched in south London after human remains were discovered in a public park in Croydon.