An upcoming film from Channel Four will chronicle a spate of mysterious deaths in Manchester’s waterways.

Part of the First Cut strand, which showcases original and bold documentaries by first-time directors, the film, being made under the working title of The Pusher, looks at the evidence around that in the last six years, the remains of over 60 individuals have been recovered from the canals of Greater Manchester.

Most wereyoung men. Now headlines have claimed a serial killer, dubbed by locals as ‘The Pusher’, could be at large in the city. 

This film from Darren Lovell will explore the truth behind the Twitter rumours pointing to this alleged serial murderer. 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.

David Brindley, commissioner for the First Cut strand comments: “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.”

The controversy, which raged last year centred on allegations by Professor Craig Jackson, head of psychology at Birmingham City University, a serial killer is stalking canals in Manchester after more than 60 bodies were pulled from waterways in just six years.

He told a national newspaper that:
“It is extremely unlikely that such an alarming number of bodies found in the canals is the result of accidents or suicides.
‘Canals are not popular suicide spots, especially for men. They are, however, popular dumping sites. And water can be a sure way to erase DNA evidence.”

He cited a number of cases in support of his argument including that of 22-year-old Chris Brahney, from Timperley who was found dead in the Manchester Ship Canal ten days after going missing from a Stone Roses concert in Heaton Park in June 2012 after he had become separated from his friends following the gig and that of Manchester University student Souvik Pal, 18, was found in the Bridgewater Canal, three weeks after leaving a New Year’s Eve party at the Warehouse Project dance night in Trafford Park.
However Greater Manchester Police refuted the allegations. Detective Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson, head of GMP’s Serious Crime Division, pointing out that The Freedom of Information request provided to the national newspaper by Greater Manchester Police which detailed sixty deaths in the canals and waterways of Greater Manchester since February 2008 related to the whole of the Greater Manchester area and not just the city centre area.

He also pointed out that Professor Jackson has limited access to individual case material.

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