A TEENAGER found dead in a park was killed by kicks and punches, police believe.

The body, believed to be that of 19-year-old Safar Khan, was discovered on an artificial sports pitch at Heywood's Adevnture Playground, off High Street, Great Lever, early on Monday.

Police have been granted extra time to question two youths, aged 15 and 18, who were arrested on suspicion of murder later that day.

No formal identification of the body has yet taken place but a post-mortem examination revealed that he died of head injuries.

It is understood that police are not searching for a weapon and believe that the victim may have been punched and kicked.

College student and part-time waiter Mr Khan, of Roxalina Street, is the cousin of 25-year-old Rabid Amin, who was stabbed to death in Bradshawgate in November last year.

Jabar Ahmed, aged 20, of Campbell Street, Farnworth, was later jailed for 11 years for his manslaughter after being found guilty by a jury.

Police sealed off the park at 7.20am on Sunday after a member of the public spotted the body on a football pitch.

A fingertip search of the area was carried out by forensics officers in protective suits.

Extra officers have been put on patrol in the Great Lever area to reassure members of the public.

The area is well known as a meeting place for groups of local youths.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.