DETECTIVES trying to identify the body of a man have widened their murder inquiry to Cheshire.

The remains of a body were found inside a suitcase in Derbyshire on October 10.

An image of a suitcase similar to the one found has been released today, Thursday, to appeal for further information.

The body was found inside a suitcase in a lay-by off the A628, just east of Tintwistle, Derbyshire, at 12.30pm.

Police believe it was left in the lay-by sometime between 9pm and midnight on October 9.

It was badly burned and the man's head and limbs are missing.

Police have obtained DNA from the man's body but have found no match on the national database and therefore do not know his identity.

Further analysis of the body has revealed the man was aged 18 to 40, had white or light-coloured skin and was probably between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 11ins tall.

The suitcase has also been examined and police now know it was a 196-litre black Samsonite Rhapsody Stockton with dimensions of 80cm x 68cm by 31cm.

Assistant chief constable Bill McWilliam said: "We have had more than 60 calls from people coming forward with information, or suggesting who this man may be.

"We're grateful to these callers but unfortunately, we have still not been able to identify the man.

"He could have gone missing from anywhere in the country but simply hasn't been reported missing by those who know him.

"Do you have a friend or neighbour you haven't seen for a while? Maybe you only see them from time to time.

"If you think they could have gone missing, please get in touch with us.

"Similarly, if you know anyone who owns a suitcase like this, or you saw someone in the area with a suitcase like this on October 9, call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 0345 123 3333 or e-mail appeals@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk