A man found dead in a wood has been identified, murder detectives said tonight.
Police were called to the scene off Parbold Hill in West Lancashire around 5.25pm on Wednesday, after a body was discovered.
The death is being treated as murder and an investigation is underway.
Now, detectives say the victim is a man, in his late teens, who believe they know his name.
Formal identification has yet to be carried out.
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A cause of death has yet to be established and a post mortem will be carried out in due course.
Detective Chief Insp Geoff Hurst, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “Following enquiries we now believe that we now know who the deceased is and we are in the process of contacting the family. My thoughts are with them at this desperately sad time.
“We remain at the relatively early stages of our investigation and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
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“Furthermore, if you have seen anyone acting suspiciously or any unusual behaviour in the area in recent days, please come forward.”
Police officers and a forensic team were seen to be focusing their attention on a wooded area towards the back of the main field.
Police are also cordoning off two areas of field- one leading up towards Wrightington and a further field towards High Moore Lane.
A shocked passerby told the ECHO: “Nothing ever happens here, I’m shocked to see so many police cars here.”
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log reference 1153 of May 1st or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
