A major search is underway for an Accrington dad murdered seven years ago after his killer told police where he hid the body.

David Guilfoyle, 37, of Royds Avenue, was murdered by Shane Fitzpatrick at his home in May 2005 but his body has never been found.

A team of around 25 officers are now searching Admiral's Wood in Bolton-by-Bowland in the Ribble Valley.

Lancashire Police said the information was given to them by Fitzpatrick who is currently locked up in HMP Garth prison.

A spokesperson said: “Two officers went to see him and he admitted his guilt and expressed remorse and said he had buried the body in a shallow grave in the wood.

“He said he had driven the body out there in the early hours of the morning following the murder.”

Police said they believe Fitzpatrick, 42, of Hapton, was aware of the area as he was a keen fell runner.

A stream runs through the middle of the wooded area and police are also being assisted by members of the Army’s 33 Engineers regiment and two forensic archaeologists Mr Guilfoyle's family are aware of this development and are being kept fully informed, said police.

Fitzpatrick was convicted of murder in July 2006 and jailed for life.

He denied murder throughout a trial at Preston Crown Court and was said to have carried out a brutal attack on the businessman who was
dating his ex-wife.

The prosecution claimed he visited Mr Guilfoyle’s bungalow in Accrington, dressed in black, at night and struck him with force outside.

Mr Guilfoyle was last seen alive after leaving the Grey Horse pub in Whalley Road, Accrington, where he had been watching the Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan.