Murder investigation launched after man found dead in Dovestones Reservoir had ‘feared for his safety’
Murder – Police officers talking to members of the public today
Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man was found earlier this year in Saddleworth.
At around 10.40am on Monday 24 February 2014, police were called to Dovestones Reservoir in Greenfield, following reports that a body had been seen.
When officers attended, supported by an underwater search team the body of 28-year-old Craig Wilcox was recovered from the water.
A post mortem examination was carried out, but the result was inconclusive.
Craig was last seen on 6 January 2014 at the home of relatives on Norfolk Crescent in Failsworth.
He left at about 7pm and did not say where he was going, a few days later when he did not return home his parents contacted the police and reported him missing.
A missing from home investigation was launched by detectives in Oldham which established Craig had confided in a friend to say he feared for his safety.
Detective Inspector, Terry Crompton – Craig ‘feared for his safety’ he told a friend
Following these enquiries police are now treating Craig’s death as suspicious and a murder investigation has been launched.
Craig is described as being of slim build, around 5ft 10in tall and when he was last seen he wearing a grey hooded top and blue combat pants.
Detective Inspector, Terry Crompton, told Saddleworth News: “We are very interested in hearing from anyone who might have seen anything suspicious around January 6 2014 up till late February near Dove Stones, and especially anyone noticing a blue training shoe worn by Craig.
“The area is very popular with tourists and dog walkers and I would ask them to keep an eye out for this.
“I don’t think there is anything for the public in Saddleworth to worry about, but until we know more it is hard to say. We have no history of self harm or a suicide note from Craig and we are confident that he did not intend to take his own life.”
Detective Chief Inspector Pete Marsh from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “It was totally out of character for Craig to go missing and when he did not return home his family contacted the police.
“A missing from home investigation was launched until Craig’s body was sadly discovered on 24 February 2014.
“We have carried out a number of enquiries and as a result are now treating his death as suspicious.
“We are trying to piece together his movements from when he went missing in January to when his body was recovered.
“We are especially keen to hear from anyone who visited Dovestones from 6 January 2014 and either saw any suspicious activity on that day or the days following, or believe you saw a man matching Craig’s description in the area.
“If your father, son, brother or friend had died in these circumstances you would want anyone who had information to come forward and speak to the police.
“However insignificant you think it might be it could be the vital piece of information which may help our investigation.”
Craig Wilcox
The father of Craig Wilcox has paid him tribute: “My son was a very generous lad. He had a great sense of humour and I can’t say anything bad about him. He was a fantastic father and he had lots of patience and time with his son.
“Craig was very close to his Mum, Carolyn and used to talk her all the time. He spoke positively about his plans for this year.
“He planned to get some money together to get his driving licence and then a driving job. He spoke about taking his son on holiday and teaching him to swim and ride a bike.
“He was positive about the future for the first time in a long time. We are totally devastated that Craig has died, we will never forget him and will keep his memory alive for his son ‘Little Craig’.”
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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