A murder investigation has been launched and a search is underway for other body parts after a torso was found wrapped in plastic at a nature reserve.

Greater Manchester Police said “major body parts” were found in Kersal Dale, near Redford Street, Salford, on Thursday and local searches were ongoing.

The victim has not been identified and the person’s gender and age are unknown at this time. The body is believed to be that of an adult, but there are no identifying marks on the remains.

Police will conduct a post-mortem examination in due course in the hope of identifying the man. However, the cause of death is not expected to be determined as the complete body has not yet been recovered.

The remains are believed to have been at the site for 24 to 36 hours before being discovered.

An extensive police cordon remains in place at the wooded reserve, which covers around 32 hectares of countryside just north of Manchester city centre.

Chief Superintendent Tony Creeley told a news conference on Friday: “We don’t know the identity of this person, we don’t know if they were male or female. But we do know that the remains are human and there is no way they could have survived. Come down.

“From the forensic investigation so far we believe the remains may have been here for several days. This is a truly tragic case.

“Our priority now is to determine who this individual is and ensure we conduct a diligent and respectful investigation on behalf of this individual and their family, whoever they are.”

He said police forensic teams and detectives would be in the area “for some time”.

“We are speaking to locals in the area, dog walkers, passers-by or anyone else who may have even the slightest bit of information. We need a breakthrough in this case and we urge anyone with any information to contact police immediately connect.”