Fugitive murder suspect Michael Cope could be hiding in Greater Manchester’s canals and sleeping rough, police have revealed.
In the hunt for the man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend Linzi Ashton, officers have now said that Cope has a good knowledge of the pathways around the Bridgewater Canal and the surrounding areas and could be using the canal between Winton and Leigh to travel.
A search team is heading up the manhunt, and a £5,000 reward remains on offer for anyone who has information leading to the arrest of the 28-year-old.
Chief Superintendant Kevin Mulligan said the force need to speak to Cope to assist their investigation into the ‘brutal’ murder of Linzi Ashton.
“Understandably, her family are absolutely shattered by what has happened to her, and we are committed to giving them the answers that they need.
“We have made it abundantly clear that Cope needs to be found, and we suspect that he may well become more and more desperate as the manhunt continues.
“He therefore could be sleeping rough. We urge people to call the police if they notice any suspicious behaviour around their outbuildings, sheds or gardens.”
Chief Supt Mulligan also reminded anyone who sees Cope not to approach him as he is dangerous.
He was last seen at The Moorings, near the Bridgewater Canal, at about 9am on Saturday June 29.
Linzi (above) died as a result of pressure to the neck and ‘multiple injuries’, a Home Office post mortem said.
Since Cope was identified as a suspect, police say more than 30 addresses have been searched and public land in the Worsley and Leigh Road areas has been searched.
In connection with Linzi’s murder and Cope’s disappearance, David Sargeson, 26, of Sarah Street, Eccles, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.
Craig Blackburn, 25, of Ivy Street, Eccles, has been charged with assisting an offender.
A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed until August 15 pending further enquiries.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
