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Dove Stone Reservoir death: Murder investigation launched weeks after man’s body dragged from water

A murder investigation has been launched after a body was found in a Greater Manchester reservoir, police have confirmed.

Craig Wilcox’s body was found in Dove Stone Reservoir in February, seven weeks after he went missing.

He was reported missing after he to failed to return home following a visit to relatives on Norfolk Crescent in Failsworth and was January 6.

Mr Wilcox, 28, was found by an underwater search team in the reservoir near Oldham, on February 24.

Police have confirmed they are treating his death as suspicious after a friend of 28-year-old told police that Mr Wilcox had confided that he ‘feared for his safety’.

A post-mortem examination also proved inconclusive.

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Marsh from Greater Manchester Police said it was ‘totally out of character for Craig to go missing’.

He said: “We are trying to piece together his movements from when he went missing in January to when his body was recovered.”

Police are now appealing for anyone who may have information to assist with their investigation.

Mr Wilcox was last seen wearing grey hooded top and blue combat trousers, and was 5ft 10in and was of slim build.

He said: “We are especially keen to hear from anyone who visited Dovestones from 6 January and either saw suspicious activity on that day or the days following, or believe you saw a man matching Craig’s description.”

Image courtesy of Steve Fareham, with thanks.

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