Police granted extra time to question Smethwick murder suspects
Detectives have been granted extra time to question two people from Smethwick on suspicion of murder after remains were recovered from a canal.
A man and woman remain in custody today following their arrests in connection with the recovery of human remains from a Birmingham canal.
Police were today given an additional 12 hours to question the pair, a 33-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman. They were arrested at their home address on Oxford Road in Smethwick at around 5am yesterday on suspicion of murder.
A cordon remains in place at the Oxford Road property.
The investigation began when officers were called to Icknield Port Road in the Ladywood area of Birmingham at around 4pm last Monday following the discovery of remains, recovered from the water 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'.
Detective Inspector Harry Harrison said: "This very complex investigation will continue throughout today and I would still urge anyone with information to come forward.
"This is being treated as a murder investigation and we will continue to work around the clock to fully understand the circumstances of Mr Spalding's death."
Anyone who can assist police should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
