Human skeletal remains discovered beside the M67 motorway in Greater Manchester on August 3, 2026, have been formally identified as 41-year-old Ajani Campbell, who was reported missing from Preston earlier this year. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that DNA testing of a bone matched the remains to Mr Campbell, following a discovery made by bridge inspectors working underneath a railway bridge near junctions three at Hyde and four at Hattersley.
Timeline of the Disappearance
Mr Campbell was initially reported missing from his mother’s home on Stocks Road in Preston on January 24, 2026. Investigators established that he left the residential address and subsequently boarded a train traveling from Preston to Manchester Piccadilly. Closed-circuit television footage later tracked his movements into central Manchester, capturing a final confirmed sighting of him on Deansgate at approximately 1.48am on January 25, 2026.
For months, his whereabouts remained unknown until bridge inspectors came across the skeleton underneath the railway bridge on August 3. Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation into the grim find, utilizing forensic bone examinations to secure a positive DNA identification. Officers have since notified Mr Campbell’s next of kin and family members regarding the identification.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Detectives are actively working to piece together the final months and movements of Mr Campbell, focusing particularly on how he arrived at the motorway location and the specific cause of his death. Greater Manchester Police have urged anyone who may have seen Mr Campbell after his final recorded CCTV sighting on January 25 to come forward with information. Witnesses can submit details directly to the force through its designated major incident portal.
Did You Know? The human remains were discovered by bridge inspectors on Monday, August 3, beneath a railway bridge situated between junctions three at Hyde and four at Hattersley along the M67 motorway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was identified from the remains found near the M67 motorway?
The remains belong to 41-year-old Ajani Campbell, who had been missing since January.
When and where were the human remains discovered?
Bridge inspectors found the skeleton underneath a railway bridge near junctions three at Hyde and four at Hattersley on Monday, August 3.
When was Mr Campbell last seen alive?
He was last sighted on CCTV on Deansgate in Manchester at around 1.48am on January 25, after leaving his mother’s home in Preston the previous day.
Do you have any information regarding the movements of Ajani Campbell following his last sighting in January?
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