Stockport headless murder victim named as John Grainger Published duration 26 January 2012

image caption John Grainger was 32 and lived in Stockport

A man found decapitated in Stockport has been identified as police continue to question two men arrested on suspicion of murder.

The burnt body of John Grainger, 32, from Stockport, was discovered by fire crews tackling a blaze at 05:10 GMT on Thursday. His head was found nearby.

The men being held had been arrested on suspicion of possessing shotgun cartridges before the body was found.

Police said post mortem tests to establish cause of death were ongoing.

Mr Grainger's body was found in Wellington Street by firefighters on a verge opposite the Gala Casino, not far from Stockport Magistrates' Court.

Supt Pete Matthews from Greater Manchester Police said: "Our thoughts are with John's family at this tragic time, as they try to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.

"We have a team of dedicated detectives who are working hard to establish the exact circumstances surrounding John's death, so we can provide his family with some much-needed answers.

"We will be continuing with our inquiries and speaking to local residents.

image caption The crime scene close to Stockport Magistrates' Court was cordoned off

"We also have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance and assist with the investigation.

"People in the community are in shock at what has happened and I would encourage anyone with any information to contact the police."

Mr Matthews had earlier said police were "keeping an open mind and looking at every line of inquiry".

The two arrested men are aged 29 and 31.

Police have said they do not believe the death was gang-related.