New images of the clothing and jewellery worn by a woman who sadly died on the M56 near to Manchester Airport last month have been released.
Investigating officers have released the images in the hopes of identifying the woman.
The release of the images of the items comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) launched an urgent public appeal after following officers attending reports of concern for the welfare of a woman on the Thorley Lane over bridge leading to the Junction 5 slip road on the M56 – which is on the way to Manchester Airport‘s Terminal Two – at around 2:40am on Monday morning (31 July).
Once police arrived, a scene was put in place, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, the woman sadly died.
Her death is not currently being treated as suspicious, GMP has confirmed.
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The identity of the woman still uncertain, however, which is why GMP is calling on the Greater Manchester public to get in touch with any information or potential dashcam footage that may help lead to the eventual notifying of her loved ones.
And now, the photos of her clothing, jewellery, and possessions – which were found when her body was recovered – have been released, with officers hoping that the woman’s next-of-kin may recognise what she was wearing.
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As detailed in GMP’s earlier appeal, the woman is described as white, 5’3 tall, with shoulder-length mousey brown hair that is straight and greying in places, and her age was estimated to be within in the 40s – 60s region.
She was wearing dark clothing, pink and brown tortoise shell spectacles, a gold-coloured necklace and bracelet with a gold-coloured beaded clasp, and a gold-coloured ring with a knot design on her right ring finger, while another gold-coloured ring on her left ring finger contained a set of clear stones.
The woman was also said to be wearing a patterned brown-coloured headband, and wristwatch with a black leather strap, as well as having her nails painted pink.
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The scene of traffic build-up after the section of the M56 was closed on Monday / Credit: Highways England
Speaking as the images were released, Detective Sergeant Steven Rogers, of GMP’s Trafford district, said: “We are continuing our work to identify the woman and we hope that these new photos may help jog people’s memories and assist with our work.
“We will use everything available to us as we carry on with our enquiries to unite this woman with her next-of-kin.
“We are still appealing for information and ask anyone who may know something to get in touch.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 0161 856 7527, quoting log number 280 of 31/7/23, or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.
You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2023 
