A murder victim whose body was found in woodland in Salford is believed to be missing Northern Quarter chef, Hiran Chauhan, say police.

They have now arrested a man on suspicion of his murder.

24-year-old Hiran, from Seedley, Salford, did not return home from work following a shift at El Capo restaurant.

He finished work at around 10.30pm on Tuesday, July 2nd and began making his way home with a friend.

They both visited the McDonald's in Piccadilly Gardens then travelled home on a tram, first at Market Street and then another tram at St Peter's Square.

CCTV footage shows Hiran got off the tram at Cornbrook at 11.08pm.

He would normally then catch a tram towards Salford and get off at Langworthy.

(Image: GMP)

Further footage shows Hiran got off the tram at Langworthy at 11.31pm, but Hiran never returned home to the room he rents in a house share.



In a statement GMP said: "While formal identification is yet to take place, police believe this to be the body of 24-year-old Hiram Chuahan who was reported missing on Thursday 4 July 2019. His family have been informed."

Hiran was found wrapped in plastic at about 8am yesterday in undergrowth amongst trees off Eccles Old Road.

The grim discovery was made by school children using the wood as a cut through.

Police have issued an appeal for video footage captured in the area as they try to identify the killer.



In a statement GMP said: "A man aged 32 from the Salford area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)



"Shortly before 8.10am on Tuesday 9 July 2019, police were called to a wooded area close to Eccles Old Road, where it meets the junction of Brentwood, to reports that a body had been found.



"The body was found wrapped in what is thought to be plastic and a murder investigation was launched."



Forensic officers remain at the scene.

Interactive: Hiran Chauhan's last-known movements View fullscreen

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “This is a tragic and shocking incident and our most heartfelt thoughts are with Hiran’s family at what is an unimaginably difficult time.

“People in the Eccles Old Road area will continue to see an increased police presence while further enquiries are conducted.



“We have arrested a man in connection with this incident and continue to appeal for information from the public.



“We understand that this is a heinous incident and I’d like to reassure people that we have a team of highly-skilled detectives and forensics experts working on this case.



“If you noticed something suspicious or have any information that may assist our enquiries, then please get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who has information or has any video footage captured between 12.30am and 9am on Tuesday 9 July 2019 on Eccles Old Road between Weaste Lane and Castleway including Rivington Road.

Files can be uploaded online via the investigation page on the Major Incident Public Portal.

Search mipp.police.uk and click on the tile for this investigation and follow the instructions.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6777 quoting reference number 585 of 09/07/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.