Five more arrests over body found in burning tent

Five further people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was discovered in a burning tent.

Mon, 25 Jan, 2016 - 19:14

Five further people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was discovered in a burning tent.

A 16-year-old boy is among the group of male and female suspects arrested on Monday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The three men, aged 26, 24 and 19, a 28-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy, have all been taken into police custody for questioning.

Daniel Smith, 23, was found dead under a railway bridge in Ordsall, Salford, Greater Manchester last week.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Mr Smith, who had been sleeping rough for several years, died from multiple injuries.

Two other men, aged 25 and 21, have been in custody since Sunday after also being arrested on suspicion of murder, police confirmed.

A second 16-year-old boy, arrested on Saturday, and a 24-year-old man arrested on Friday have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Police responded to reports of a flaming tent on Irwell Street, close to Salford Central train station, at about 1.20am on Wednesday, January 20.

His body was discovered in the tent after the fire was extinguished by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue.

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick said: “Our investigation has moved on significantly since last week and I would like to thank the public for their response.

“We now have several people in custody who are being questioned in relation to Daniel’s death and our inquiries remain ongoing.

“We have specialist officers providing ongoing support to Daniel’s family and I would ask for anyone that has any information that could assist this police investigation to please get in touch and tell us what you know.”