Two men charged with murder after man’s torso found in Salford nature reserve

Two men have been charged with murder after a man’s torso was found at a nature reserve in Salford, police have said.

Greater Manchester Police said more human remains were discovered this morning in an alleyway close to railway lines in the market town of Eccles.

This follows earlier discoveries of human remains at two other locations – Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood – as part of the investigation over the weekend in the Greater Manchester area.

Police believe the torso – consisting of the bottom of the back, buttocks and thigh – found at Kersal Dale Wetlands on 4 April belongs to a man in his 60s.

Officers have informed his family about his death, but have not yet identified him publicly.

The remains found at the other three locations are still to be tested, but police say they are confident they belong to the same victim.

Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski, 68, and Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have been charged with murder.

They are due to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: “We have had large numbers of officers, staff and specialists working diligently on this investigation over the last three weeks.

“It has been very much a large, collective effort, with the victim and family at the heart of it from the outset.

“We have specially trained officers deployed to support the family as they come to terms with this tragic news.

“They are aware of this morning’s further discovery and will continue to be kept up to date with how we are progressing.”

She said despite the charges brought today – “our work is far from over”.

“The scenes we already have established in Bury and Salford will remain in place for much of this week whilst our searches and inquiries continue,” she said.

“Local officers will continue to patrol the impacted areas to provide reassurance.

“We will continue following every line of inquiry to recover and reunite the victim with his family, bringing a dignified end to this terrible scenario.”

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She added: “I’d like to thank the communities of Salford and beyond for their co-operation throughout this investigation.

“I know this incident has come as a shock, and the support we’ve had from those in the area is very much appreciated.”

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