Three men questioned on suspicion of murder and kidnap after the discovery of a dad’s body in Skelmersdale have been released from custody.
The suspects were quizzed over the death of Christopher Hughes, who detectives said was subjected to a “frenzied attack”.
The 37-year-old is believed to have been bundled into the back of a vehicle four days before his body was found.
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Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received a report a man had been seen being forced into the back of a vehicle in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan just after 4.30pm on Friday, February 18.
A missing persons investigation was launched by the force the following day before, at around 11am on February 22, Mr Hughes’s body was found on land off White Moss Road South, close to the M58 as it passes Skelmersdale.
A post mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple serious injuries.
The family of Mr Hughes said they were left devastated by his death.
His mum, Susan, said: "The family of Chris wish everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time and are heartbroken at the loss of their loving son, father, brother and uncle. He will leave a part in the family that can never be filled. RIP Christopher David Hughes."
Three men, aged 29, 48 and 51, were arrested in connection with the incident.
The elder two were questioned on suspicion of kidnap and murder. The youngest was questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and murder.
On Monday morning, GMP confirmed to the ECHO that all three had been released under investigation.
The probe remains ongoing.
Appealing for details last week, Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Our thoughts are with Christopher's loved ones at this time. Specially trained colleagues are supporting them while the investigation team works to establish the full circumstances surrounding the frenzied attack which resulted in his death.
"Our enquiries, in conjunction with colleagues from Lancashire Police, are very much ongoing, so I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously.
"At this stage, we are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who had contact with Christopher on Friday before 4.30pm or anyone who saw any people or vehicles behaving suspiciously in the Almond Grove area of Wigan or White Moss area of Skelmersdale between 4.45pm and 6pm that evening."
*Anyone with information can contact GMP quoting Operation Feverfew via 0161 856 3400. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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