A torso wrapped in plastic discovered at a nature reserve in Salford is that of a man aged older than 40, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.
Officers have been conducting a murder investigation after the remains were found at Kersal Wetlands on Thursday.
The PA news agency understands the local area is being searched for other body parts, although police said on Saturday nothing further had been discovered.
GMP added further inquiries, including DNA tests, are under way in an attempt to identify the man.
Chief Superintendent Tony Creely, GMP’s district commander for Salford, said: “This is a tragic case which is moving at pace and, thanks to forensic tests, we are able to confirm that the victim is a man who could not have survived.
“At the heart of our investigation is this man and his family. We are using all forensic techniques available to identify him as soon as we can so we are able to support his loved ones during this devastating time.
“I would like to thank the public for their co-operation in the last few days. The presence of our officers and specialist teams will have caused disruption in the local area, and may continue to for some time yet, but we value any information they have been able to pass to us.
“There remain a number of unknowns around this case, but we are working diligently and respectfully to provide answers as soon as we are able.
“This will take time and we will continue to provide updates of significance when we can.”