Police dig up pub in hunt for missing man
Murder investigation launched 17 years on.
Detectives investigating the disappearance of a man from Ancoats have launched a murder investigation. Martin Joyce, 45, was reported missing on 7 September 1999, having last been seen just two days earlier (5 September) at The Bank of England Pub, Pollard Street, Ancoats. He was 29-years-old when he went missing and, despite reported sightings, which officers later determined to be false, he has not been found. Police are now treating this as a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone with information about what may have happened to Martin to get in touch.
As part of the investigation, officers began searching The Bank of England Pub today, Thursday 6 October. Senior Investigating Officer Bob Tonge of GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said: “As part of the investigation, we are following a number of lines of enquiry but sadly, we are led to believe that Martin may not be alive and we have now launched a murder investigation. “We have a team of highly skilled officers dedicated to the investigation and are working closely with the National Crime Agency to solve this case. “Martin’s family are being supported by specialist officers through this extremely challenging time and are desperate for answers into his disappearance. “We believe there may be some people in Manchester who have information about Martin’s disappearance and I’m urging anyone with information about what may have happened to him to contact police as soon as possible.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4714 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.