Three people have been arrested after a man's body was found in a wheelie bin in Wigan. [26 March 2012]

Officers were called to a plot of land at around 9.20am on Sunday after two men out walking made the discovery.

The body has not been formally identified and a post-mortem examination will take place later to establish the cause of death, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Three people aged 19, 21 and 24 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Jon Chadwick, of GMP's major incident team,

said: "We have launched a murder investigation into the circumstances leading up to and surrounding this man's death.

"The identity of this person and the cause of death are not yet known.

"There are extra patrols in the area and this will continue over the next few days. I would encourage anyone with information or concerns to talk to us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1722, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.