DETECTIVES are today still searching for what they believe are the remains of missing Ipswich man Ian Halls.Suffolk officers have been liaising with Greater Manchester police, who cordoned off the block of flats in Hulme where the 63-year-old's nephew and murder accused, Michael Harvey, lives.

DETECTIVES are today still searching for what they believe are the remains of missing Ipswich man Ian Halls.

Suffolk officers have been liaising with Greater Manchester police, who cordoned off the block of flats in Hulme where the 63-year-old's nephew and murder accused, Michael Harvey, lives.

Throughout yesterday afternoon scenes of crime officers carried belongings from the property in North Down Avenue, which is between the city's Moss Side and Old Trafford areas.

Police also sealed off other sections of the building.

Officers were could be seen taking samples away from Harvey's flat for forensic testing.

Meanwhile as reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Star detectives believe Mr Halls has been killed and his body may have been dismembered.

The quest to find Mr Halls has centred on six main sites. Originally it was thought they may have all been in Suffolk, but it now appears the search also encompasses the north-west of England.

The macabre case, which is being led by Suffolk Police Superintendent Stewart Gull, evolved after officers discovered blood in the kitchen, utility room and lounge of Mr Halls' Tower Mill Road home last Friday.

A search of a panel van parked nearby found a Derringer pistol, sling shot and a cross bow inside, along with blood stained paper.

Mr Halls is believed to have bought his home for around £150,000 in December 2002 from Ipswich builders GH Moss, which had been renovating it.

Prior to that the retired librarian had lived in a £300,000 house in Weybridge, Surrey for around 20 years.

It is believed he lived near his stepsister Diana Doyle until his move to Suffolk. The pair kept in regular touch through e-mail and telephone calls and it was his stepsister who contacted police to report him missing last week after she had not been able to contact him during January.

Mr Halls, who is described as a bit of a loner, is said to have a keen interest in history and often visited Ipswich's public library.

His nephew Michael Harvey appeared at South East Suffolk Magistrates Court in Ipswich yesterday charged with his uncle's murder.

The 49-year-old was remanded in custody and is due to reappear for a preliminary hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on February 19. Harvey has not entered a plea as yet.

Meanwhile a second Manchester man arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Halls has been released on bail by detectives.

The 56-year-old must report back to Longsight police station in Greater Manchester on February 26.