Sandwell pair arrested in murder probe after human remains found in canal
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder in Smethwick after human remains were found in a canal.
A man, aged 33, and a 34-year-old woman were arrested from an address on Oxford Road at around 5am this morning.
Police were called to Icknield Port Road in Ladywood, Birmingham, at around 4pm when the remains were recovered from the water last Monday by men who were working on the canal.
A forensic examination has since taken place and the victim has been formally identified as 39-year-old local man Michael Spalding, known to friends and family as 'Spud'.
Detectives have cordoned off the Oxford Road property as part of the ongoing investigation.
Det Insp Harry Harrison said: "We are still in the early days of what is a very complex investigation and I would like to re-appeal for witnesses to come forward.
"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who had contact with Mr Spalding at any time during the last month.
"If there is anyone knows anything about what happened and has not yet spoken to police, I would urge them to make contact with us as soon as possible.
"This is being treated as a murder investigation and we are working around the clock to fully understand the circumstances of Mr Spalding's death."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
