BREAKING NEWS Dramatic update after the body of a father was uncovered on a rural property sparking a major manhunt

A man wanted in relation to the discovery of a body found wrapped in a plastic tarpaulin sheet and dumped in a paddock last week has been arrested.

James French, 24, evaded police since they discovered his alleged associate John Birch, 39, at a property in Glenorie, northwest Sydney, on March 14. 

French was last seen jumping a fence on Old Northern Road on the same day and has been wanted for questioning since.

Police established crime scenes at the paddock and at a nearby home on the day of the discovery.

About 2pm on Sunday, tactical officers arrested French at a home in Glenorie.

Birch was reported missing by family the night before his body was found.

A family member then directed police to the location of the Nepean mans body on March 14.

He was taken to Castle Hill Police Station where inquiries are ongoing, a police spokeswoman said.

The body of John Birch, 39, was discovered half-buried on a northwest Sydney property

Two men, aged 24 and 34, and a woman, 35, were arrested earlier and taken to Castle Hill Police Station.

They were, however, released pending further investigation.

The Hills Police Area Commander Superintendent Naomi Moore said police found French at a home they had previously searched. 

Its an address thats known to us and known to him. Today it was part of our follow-up, we went there and located him in a vehicle sleeping on the property, she said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

These people were known to each other, it was not a random attack.