Johnny Birch found buried in a paddock on a property in Sydney’s northwest

The body of a man found buried in a shallow grave on a property in Sydney’s northwest has been identified.

Johnny Birch, 40, was found by police partially buried in a paddock on Geleness Pl in Glenorie about 12pm on Friday.

Police were investigating reports of a missing man when they found his remains covered in items a few hundred metres away from a home located on the rural property.

A family member told Nine newspapers Mr Birch was reported missing about 9pm on Thursday, and was found by a cousin who was concerned about his welfare.

Police found Johnny Birch’s body buried in a shallow grave on a Glenorie property in Sydney’s northwest. Picture: NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn
Camera IconPolice found Johnny Birch’s body buried in a shallow grave on a Glenorie property in Sydney’s northwest. NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn Credit: News Corp Australia

The person said Mr Birch was involved in the drug trade and had been to prison several times.

His social media profile refers to him as “Fingers.”

Two men aged 24 and 34, and a woman aged 35, were arrested at the scene and taken to Castle Hill Police Station where they remain.

Two men aged 24 and 34, and a woman aged 35, were arrested at the scene and taken to Castle Hill Police Station where they remain while police continue their investigation. Picture: NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn
Camera IconTwo men aged 24 and 34, and a woman aged 35, were arrested at the scene and taken to Castle Hill Police Station where they remain while police continue their investigation. NewsWire/ Sam Ruttyn Credit: News Corp Australia

No charges have been laid, but detectives are waiting for results from a post-mortem examination that will be conducted in the coming days.

NSW Police Superintendent Naomi Moore said on Friday police believed the three people in custody knew Mr Birch, and they had information they could provide detectives.

Strike Force Haldren was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Birch’s death and a crime scene was put in place at the property.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

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