DETECTIVES investigating the death of alleged murder victim Darren McMinn are appealing for help to find his necklace.

The 48-year-old grandfather disappeared on April 11 and his body was discovered in the Yarrow Reservoir in Hodge Brow, near Rivington, in the early hours of May 3.

Portuguese national Candido Pereira, of Chorley New Road, Heaton, is charged with murdering McMinn on April 11.

Officers in Bolton are trying to trace a necklace worn by Mr McMinn, a former warehouseman known as Macky, before he died.

It is a gold chain with a cross and a rectangular piece with red in the centre.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Jones said: "It may assist the investigation if we can find out what happened to Darren’s necklace.

"More importantly, it is of great sentimental value to Darren’s family, and particularly his son, so we would like to return it them.”

"If you have seen the necklace or perhaps someone has tried to sell it to you, please get in touch with police."

Mr McMinn, who was single and previously of Connaught Square, Tonge Moor, was devoted to his only son Saul, Saul's partner Kirstie Morris and their young son Regan.

Pereira, a 37-year-old who worked as a plasterer for Bolton@Home until September last year, has appeared at Manchester Crown Court but has not yet entered a plea.

Apart from murder he is charged with supplying diamorphine to Mr McMinn on April 11 and cultivating cannabis on April 29.

A provisional trial date has been fixed for October 17.

n Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 2491 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.