Nine people have been arrested over the death of a 23-year-old homeless man who was found in a burning tent in Manchester.

Daniel Smith was discovered when fire crews were called to the blaze at 1.20am last Wednesday, close to Salford Central station near Manchester city centre.

Smith, who was originally from Ashton-under-Lyne and who had been homeless for some time, is believed to have been attacked before he died from multiple injuries to the head and body.

A 16-year-old boy was among five people arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, Greater Manchester police said. Three men aged 26, 24 and 19 and a 28-year-old woman were also taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of murder.

The five arrests come a day after two other men, aged 25 and 21, were also held on suspicion of murder. They remain in police custody. Another 16-year-old boy and a 24-year-old man, who were arrested on Friday and Saturday respectively, have both been bailed pending further enquiries.

DS Jon Chadwick, of GMP’s major investigation team, said: “Our investigation has moved on significantly since last week and I would like to thank the public for their response. We now have several people in custody who are being questioned in relation to Daniel’s death and our inquiries remain ongoing.

“We have specialist officers providing ongoing support to Daniel’s family and I would ask for anyone that has any information that could assist this police investigation to please get in touch and tell us what you know.”

Anyone with information is asked to call GMP’s major incident team on 0161 856 8797 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.