Channel 4 has commissioned a new documentary to investigate the idea a serial killer dubbed ‘The Pusher’ could be operating on Manchester’s waterways.
London-based BriteSpark Films are producing the film, with filmmaker Darren Lovell set to direct.
The production company say: “In the last six years, the remains of over 60 individuals have been recovered from the canals of Greater Manchester; most are young men.
“Meeting the bereaved looking for answers and the experts placing pressure on authorities to open an investigation, this complex film explores the facts at the heart of a 21st Century urban mystery.”
The claim caused uproar when it was published in the press in January 2015, sparking a social media frenzy.
Professor Craig Jackson, head of pyschology at Birmingham City University, suggested that the number of bodies pulled from water over the past seven years could be down to foul play.
Jackson later retracted his claim, saying that he had been misquoted by Manchester newspapers and his words taken out of context.
Over the 85 bodies recovered from canals, rivers, lakes and ponds since 2008, eight were in Salford, with the majority in Manchester city centre.
Greater Manchester Police were forced to quash the rumour.
At the time, Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said: “The by-product of the claim was lots of speculation of in the media, and lots of speculation on social media.
“The most important thing for me is the families of these victims.
“People have sadly lost loved ones in such circumstances and this will have brought it all back to them, which is the most upsetting thing.
“I am satisfied that there is no evidence whatsoever of a serial killer.”
David Brindley, commissioner for the First Cut strand said: “Channel 4 has a reputation for helping launch new British talent both on and off-screen, and we’re particularly proud of the impact First Cut has made in its six years.
“These new films will follow in the tradition of unflinching and unique storytelling from some of the nation’s most accomplished new directors.
