The man whose headless body was found lying in a Stockport street died of a shotgun wound, a post mortem has shown.

John Grainger was then decapitated. His head was found close by his body.

Two people have been arrested and are being questioned over his murder.

The body of Mr Grainger (32) was discovered in Stockport, Greater Manchester, at 05:10 Hours on January 26 by firefighters tacking a nearby blaze.

The two men being held, aged 29 and 31, had been arrested on suspicion of possessing shotgun cartridges before the body was found.

They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody for questioning.

Firefighters found Mr Grainger's decapitated body in Wellington Street as they tackled a fire opposite Gala Casino.

It is believed he was also suffering burn injuries.

Superintendent Pete Matthews from Greater Manchester Police said: "Our thoughts are with John's family at this tragic time, as they try to come to terms with the loss of their loved one.

"We have a team of dedicated detectives who are working hard to establish the exact circumstances surrounding John's death, so we can provide his family with some much-needed answers.

"We will be continuing with our inquiries and speaking to local residents.

"We also have extra officers in the area to offer reassurance and assist with the investigation.

"People in the community are in shock at what has happened and I would encourage anyone with any information to contact the police."

The crime scene in the town centre, near Stockport Magistrates' Court, was cordoned off as forensics officers scoured the area.