Two men were due in court this afternoon, charged in connection with a major murder investigation in Salford which has uncovered human remains of their alleged victim in four locations.
The probe was launched by Greater Manchester Police on April 4 after body parts were found at Kersal Dale. Further remains were then uncovered at Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood over this weekend. This morning (Monday, April 29), more suspected human remains were uncovered in an alleyway close to the railway lines off Worsley Road in Winton. Detectives believe the victim is a man from Salford aged in his 60s.
Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski, 68, and Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have now been charged with murder. They are due to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.
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Police said that ‘despite the charges, work is far from over’ as the investigation continues. A number of searches remain in place across Salford.
Reporter Nicole Wootton-Cane is in court and will be sending live updates from the hearing below
16:10John Scheerhout
Coverage ends
That brings to an end our live coverage of the hearing. A fuller piece about the proceedings will appear on the website later
15:57John Scheerhout
Chair of the bench adjourns the hearing and the defendants leave court
15:54John Scheerhout
Defence lawyers say they will make no representations today
15:52John Scheerhout
Prosecutor says the lower court cannot consider bail
15:50John Scheerhout
Defendants remanded in custody
15:49John Scheerhout
Accused told they will appear at Manchester Crown Court tomorrow morning
15:47John Scheerhout
Tracksuit wearing defendants speak via a translator – they are accused of murder ‘of a person unknown’
15:41John Scheerhout
Defendants shown into the dock
13:20John Scheerhout
Police say investigation ‘is far from over’ despite the charges
Announcing the charges earlier today, 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.
“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 enquiries continue.
“Local officers will continue to patrol the impacted areas to provide reassurance. We will continue following every line of enquiry to recover and reunite the victim with his family, bringing a dignified end to this terrible scenario.
“I’d like to thank the communities of Salford and beyond for their cooperation 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.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.