Police operation in Dural that shut down roads for 6 hours linked to body found nearby under tarp

An hours-long police operation in Sydney’s northwest on Friday is believed to be linked to investigations into the body found under a tarp on a nearby property last week.

A major police operation in Sydney’s northwest on Friday is understood to be connected to investigations into the death of a man whose body was found partially buried in a paddock last week.

Heavily armed police swarmed a property on Wylds Rd, Middle Dural, from 11am until 5pm on Friday.

It’s understood residents were unable to leave their homes during the event, and bus services to nearby schools were cancelled.

Old Northern Rd between Mid Dural Rd and Cattai Ridge Rd was closed for the six hours while police carried out the operation.

Forensics police at the Glenorie property where human remains were found buried in a paddock. Picture: Monique Harmer

The Glenorie property where the body was discovered is near the area covered by Friday’s police operation. Picture: Monique Harmer

Police confirmed they visited an address on Old Northern Rd, Middle Dural, around 11.15am to make inquiries into an ongoing investigation.

Officers spoke to an 80-year-old woman at the scene, before the property was searched with assistance from tactical police.

The man found dead was identified as John Birch. Picture: Facebook

No arrests were made.

Late on Friday evening police remained at the scene, where they continued to make inquiries.

Sources said the operation was part of the investigations into the death of John Birch, 39.

Officers were searching for a missing man when they found suspected human remains under a tarp near a home in Glenorie about 11am on March 14.

The Telegraph earlier reported skid marks on the road and a damaged car found on the property he had visited were leading police to investigate whether Mr Birch was killed after being hit by a car.

A 24-year-old man, and a man and woman, aged 34 and 35, who are understood to have been in a relationship, were arrested by police on Friday.

More than 12 hours later, after being questioned by investigators, all three were released without charge.

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