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Heartbroken family pay tribute to ‘beautiful’ Gorton woman as murder investigation is launched

Charlene Mills was described as "strong-willed" and having "overcome so many obstacles in her life".

Emily Sergeant - 2nd October 2023

The heartbroken family of a woman who sadly died in Gorton this past weekend have paid tribute to her as a murder investigation is launched.

It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports regarding the concerns for the welfare of a woman at an address on Hyde Road at around 11:20am on Saturday (30 September), and officers subsequently rushed to the scene, along with other emergency services.

But despite the best efforts of all involved, a 43-year-old woman lost her life at the scene.

A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody for questioning, GMP has confirmed – with the force believing this to be an “isolated incident”.

As a murder investigation has now been launched, and police begin the process of piecing details of the incident together to figure out what happened, the woman who sadly lost her life has now been named as Charlene Mills, and her devastated family have paid an emotional tribute to her.

The mother of one has been described as “beautiful inside and out”.

The tribute reads: “We are so deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Charlene.

“She was beautiful inside and out and had a personality that would bring a smile to the faces of all that knew her, no matter what the situation.

“Charlene, or Char as we all knew her, was the most perfect daughter and big sister to Amber. She loved being a mum and idolised her son Rydell and dog, Boxer. She was strong-willed, kind, and cheeky, overcoming so many obstacles in her life. The world just won’t be as fun without her, and our treasured memories of Char are the only little pieces of comfort we have.”

The family admit they are “still coming to terms with this devastating news”, and while they are “extremely grateful” for all the messages of support they have received and to those who paid their respects by laying flowers, they have now asked for “privacy and time to grieve”.

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman sadly died in Gorton / Credit: GMP

As the murder investigation has now been launched and enters the early stages, Detective Superintendent Helen Critchley, from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team, has confirmed that specialist officers have been put in place to ensure Charlene’s family and loved ones are being updated and properly supported.

“We are currently piecing together the exact details of the incident and a scene remains in place as officers carry out their work,” DS Critchley added.

DS Critchley also said that she understands incidents of this nature can “cause distress in the community”, but GMP is keen to reassure local residents that it believes that this was an isolated incident at this stage.

“We are asking anyone who may have heard or seen anything from around the time of the incident to please get in touch,” DS Critchley continued, “no matter how small or insignificant you may think it is, any information could be of great benefit to the investigation.”

You can share information by calling 101 or 0161 856 0110, quoting log number 1421 of 30/09/23, or by reporting it online at gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP