Canal murder probe: Police name victim and confirm he died of 'multiple stab wounds'

Police have named the victim at the centre of a borough murder probe after a body was discovered in the canal earlier this week.
By Liam Soutar
Published 27th Mar 2021, 19:53 BST
Updated 28th Mar 2021, 10:42 BST
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Scott Anderton, a 33-year-old from Leigh, has this evening (March 27) been named by Greater Manchester Police. His next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

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Three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder after man's body found in canal

A murder investigation was launched by detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team (MIT) after Scott's body was recovered by emergency services from the Leeds and Liverpool canal on the morning of Thursday 25 March.

Police tape seals off an area of canal where a man's body was foundPolice tape seals off an area of canal where a man's body was found
Police tape seals off an area of canal where a man's body was found
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It has since been established that Scott died after suffering multiple stab wounds and blunt trauma injuries.

Three males – aged 16, 17, and 18 – were arrested on Friday 26 March and will remain in custody for an additional 36 hours after an application was accepted at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court earlier today (Saturday 27 March).

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Liz Hopkinson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the man who very tragically lost his life and we currently have specialist officers providing support to them.

A police diver at the scene in LeighA police diver at the scene in Leigh
A police diver at the scene in Leigh

“We currently have three people in custody for questioning but I would stress that our investigation is continuing at pace to ensure we are able to provide his family with the answers they deserve.

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“We will continue to have an increased police presence in the area and encourage anyone with any worries or concerns to speak with officers. We’re also continuing to appeal to anyone who has any information, or was in the area on Wednesday night or Thursday morning to make contact with police as a matter of urgency. Any information, no matter how big or small, could be crucial to the investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9283 quoting log 477 of 25/03/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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