Crucial 20 mins: police launch fresh appeal

Craig Wilcox’s body was found in Dovestone Reservoir

DETECTIVES investigating Craig Wilcox’s murder have launched a fresh appeal for information on the anniversary of his death.

Det Chief Insp Terry Crompton from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Our main priority at the moment is to find those responsible for Craig’s death. Did they intend to kill him or did it go wrong?

“With him being in the water for so long we are unable to say whether he drowned or died of hypothermia.

“We know there was a build up of events and he got in trouble. Low level criminality was involved and we believe it escalated over the course of a few days.”

Detectives have traced Craig’s phone from the night of his disappearance and found it leaving Newton Heath, close to Craig’s home, at around 9.45pm.

The phone was tracked through Oldham centre and arrived at Dovestones at around 10.10pm. It then moved back towards Newton Heath at 10.30pm, leaving a 20 minute window when Craig was at the reservoir.

Det Chief Insp Terry Crompton added: “The critical issue for us is that 20 minute period at Dovestone. He had no means of transport and no reason to be there.”

Six men aged between 25 and 52 have been arrested in connection with Craig’s death, but detectives continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161-856 9283 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.