Murder probe after bound body found

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a man's body in a car park.

Umair Waseem was found with his legs and hands bound and had suffered "horrendous" head injuries, Lancashire Police said.

The 22-year-old is believed to be the victim of a targeted attack but police said the motive was unclear.

Detective Superintendent Steve Brunskill, who is leading the investigation said: "This is an extremely violent murder of a young Asian man who was well known in the area around Bolton."

He said Mr Waseem was last seen leaving the family home, where he lived with his mother, brother and sister, at around 7.45pm on Sunday.

He left in a Silver 7 series BMW, registration DF02 JFK, which he drove but which belonged to a friend.

United Utilities workers discovered his body at 9.50am yesterday in a car park off Moor Road at Anglezarke, Chorley.

Mr Brunskill said the BMW was in a different part of the car park.

He said: "Police and paramedics were called to the scene and on arrival it was clear that the victim was deceased.

"It was noticed immediately that his legs were bound together and his hands tied behind his back and that he had suffered head injuries."

Mr Brunskill said that Mr Waseem had been the victim of a serious robbery last year, which had resulted in a conviction, and that police were following several lines of enquiry.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 01257 246271 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.