Murder police in search for body

Simon Penk has not been seen for two months

Officers, search dogs and mountain rescue teams are hunting in Wigan for the body of a man who police believe may have been murdered.

Simon Penk disappeared two months ago after going out to buy food from a store near his home in Beech Hill.

Two local men, aged 31 and 41, were arrested on suspicion of murder on 3 and 5 July and bailed until 30 August pending further enquiries.

Search dogs and mountain rescue teams are joining in the hunt for Mr Penk.

The 36-year-old, from Honeysuckle Avenue, was last seen at about 0930 BST on 8 May.

Detectives are scouring areas of Beech Hill as well as land behind the JJB Stadium following a tip off.

Police said it was very unusual for Mr Penk, who is 5ft 6ins tall, not to contact his mother for such a long time and for him to leave his pet dog behind too.

Detective Inspector David Lever, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This is an incredibly difficult time for Simon's mother and we are appealing for anybody who holds the slightest bit of information to come forward and speak to us in absolute confidence to help us get to the bottom of this."