Detectives say there are no plans to carry out further investigations at a soon-to-be-demolished pub at the centre of an unsolved murder, but the case remains open and a £50,000 reward is still available.
Martin Joyce, 29, was last seen when he went to the Bank of England pub in Ancoats in September 1999. Seventeen years later, police dug up the pub's cellar after receiving 'credible information' that Mr Joyce, of Gorton, had been killed in a fight and buried there. No remains were found during the two-week excavation, and the dad-of-one's disappearance remains with GMP's cold case unit.
Pub set for demolition
The 200-year-old pub, which has stood empty since around 2012, is now set to be demolished due to safety fears. In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said there would be no further investigation at the pub 'at this stage'.
A spokesperson added: "However, a case is never closed. We encourage anyone who has new information to contact us via 101. There is still a £50k reward available for information leading to arrest and conviction."
Previous appeals and reward
After the police dig in 2016, a fresh appeal with the family was made in 2017, and another in 2018, when an appeal led by Det Chief Insp Stuart Wilkinson offered a reward of £20,000, later increased to £50,000.
At the time of Mr Joyce's disappearance, the Bank of England was owned by the late Jimmy 'The Weed' Donnelly, a member of Manchester's notorious Quality Street Gang. In 2016 he contacted the M.E.N. to 'clear the air' about the case.
"He was one of many members of the travelling community that came into the pub and I knew them very well," he said. "In 1999 there was lots of trouble at the pub involving the travelling community but it was all sorted out."
"I just want to clear the air before anything is said. It has nothing to do with me."
Demolition plans
In 2022, planning permission was sought to demolish the pub and a number of surrounding industrial units to make way for 193 new flats in a pair of eight and four storey blocks. The application is still under consideration.
In a statement earlier this month, a Manchester council spokesperson said a section 78 order has been issued on the pub requiring the owners to demolish it for public safety. The developers Kamani Property were approached for comment.
