A MAN whose body was found by the side of Anglezarke Reservoir in Rivington was the victim of an “extremely violent” murder, police have revealed.

Umair Waseem, 22, of Bolton, was discovered in a car park off Moor Road near the reservoir early yesterday.

Workers from United Utilities made the grim discovery at 9.50am and officers from Lancashire Constabulary are today leading the hunt for his killers.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill said: "This is an extremely violent murder of a young Asian man who was well known in the area around Bolton.

"Police and paramedics were called to the scene and on arrival it was clear that the victim was deceased.

“It was noticed immediately that his legs were bound together and his hands tied behind his back and that he had suffered head injuries.

“Also found at the car park was the Silver BMW car and naturally I am interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen Mr Waseem or the BMW car from anytime around 7:45pm on the evening of Sunday, February 1, onwards.”

Det Sup Brunskill said that Mr Waseem was last seen by his family leaving their home on Sunday evening in a Silver 7 series BMW with the registration DF02 JFK.

Detectives from Lancashire are now working jointly with officers from Greater Manchester police to investigate what Det Sup Brunskill branded a “horrific murder”.

He added: "We would also appeal for anyone who may have seen anything at all suspicious in the area or have any information whatsoever to come forward and contact police on the number above or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

People can also contact the police at Chorley where a major investigation room has been set up on 01257 246271.