Police continue to question pair on suspicion of murdering John Grainger, who was shot, beheaded and set alight in Stockport
A man who was found on fire in Stockport had been shot in the head before being decapitated, police have said as they continue to investigate the murder.
Early on Thursday morning, John Grainger, 32, was beheaded and set ablaze in a nearby woodland close to a town centre casino.
Two men, ages 29 and 31, were being questioned by Greater Manchester police officers on Friday regarding possible murder charges. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters found the man’s head, and a murder investigation was initiated.
A police source stated on Friday, “There’s nothing there to suggest that it’s a gangland killing,” while also stating that all possible avenues of investigation were being considered.
According to the authorities, speculating on death-related rumours would be incorrect.
Police said a Home Office postmortem examination had found that Grainger died from a blunt-force head injury and a “shotgun wound to the head”. Police said it is believed he was decapitated after he was shot.
Superintendent Pete Matthews said: “Our thoughts are with John’s family at this tragic time, as they try to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
“We have a team of dedicated detectives who are working hard to establish the exact circumstances surrounding John’s death, so we can provide his family with some much-needed answers.We will be continuing with our inquiries and speaking to local residents.
“People in the community are in shock at what has happened and I would encourage anyone with any information to contact the police.”
In a statement, Grainger’s family described him as a “cheeky and loveable” character who was “a fantastic brother and uncle” who hoped to have children of his own one day. They said he was an avid Manchester United fan.
The two arrested men remain in police custody.
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