Man is arrested in connection with assisting an offender by police looking for Michael Cope

Michael Cope is wanted by Greater Manchester Police in connection with the murder of mother-of-two Linzi Ashton

(PA)

Detectives searching for a murder suspect wanted in connection with the killing of a young mother have arrested a man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police have offered a £5,000 reward to entice anyone who might be helping Michael Cope to come forward, whom detectives have branded a “dangerous man”.

He is wanted in connection with the “sustained and vicious” murder of Linzi Ashton, whose body was discovered at her home in Winton, Salford, on Saturday.

A 25-year-old man was arrested last night and remains in police custody, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.

Chief Superintendent Kevin Mulligan said: “We are continuing to do all we can to trace Michael Cope and urge him once again to hand himself in to the police.

“We also reiterate our appeal to those who may have information on Cope's whereabouts to speak to us in confidence.

“We are also working with our partner agencies to look at evicting anyone who is using their property to offer this man safety.”