Three arrests made as part of Rhys Thompson murder investigation

Three men have been arrested this morning on suspicion of the murder of Rhys Thompson whose body was found on the moors in West Yorkshire in May.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Police executed several warrants in both counties earlier today (Tuesday 13 July), which included the arrests of men in Radcliffe, Oldham and Manchester on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

The suspects - aged 25, 31, and 39 - are being held in custody to be questioned by detectives from our Major Incident Team.

A murder inquiry was launched into Rhys's death after he was found off Pike End Road in the Calderdale area on the morning of Thursday 13 May.

Our specialist officers continue to support Rhys's family and update them on the progress of the investigation.

Detective Inspector Andy Naismith, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "It is two months today since Rhys was so tragically found dead in Calderdale and we have been working day in and day out to ensure we are able to get closer to providing the answers for his family who have remained so admirably strong throughout this awful time.

"This is a significant step in our investigation and I want to thank Lancashire Police for their vital work in making sure that we were able to bring these three suspects into custody today."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4815 quoting Operation Linnett. Details can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Information and media material can be uploaded to the dedicated MIP portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP21A45-PO1.