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
Family pays tribute to ‘much-loved son’ who died after Wigan bus crash
Daisy Jackson
The family of a man who died in a tragic bus crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
Luke Hill, 28, was involved in a collision between a bus and a motorbike earlier this month, and sadly passed away in hospital the following morning.
The incident occurred on the Wigan Road junction of Alexandra Road, at around 11.54pm on Thursday 6 August – and GMP are still appealing for members of the public to come forward with CCTV, dashcam, or information.
The driver of the bus remained at the scene following the crash, and continues to support police with their investigation.
Paying tribute to Luke, his family described him as a ‘rock and much-loved part of the family’.
His mother said that living without him feels like a ‘terrible nightmare’.
Paying tribute, Luke’s mum, Sharon, has said: “Luke was my son, my rock, and a much-loved part of our family. There are simply no words to describe the pain of losing a son, especially in such a tragic way.
“It still doesn’t feel real. I keep expecting this terrible nightmare to end and for you to be here with us again.
“Luke was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew and grandson. He meant so much to so many people, and he will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.
“We miss you more than words could ever say. The pain of losing you is something we will carry with us forever, but so will the love and memories you gave us.
“The whole family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss. We kindly ask that everyone respects our privacy and allows us the time and space we need to grieve.
“You will never be forgotten, Luke.
“We love you and miss you so much.”
Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or anyone who has mobile phone or dash cam footage, to come forward and assist the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741 or our Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting the log number 4225 of 06/08/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Government issues UK-wide temporary ban on sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk
Emily Sergeant
A temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues has been issued nationwide.
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the summer, and as many regions declare drought conditions, the Government has made the decision to issue a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues due to wildfire risk.
A disposable barbecue is defined as a fuel tray or grill grid that includes charcoal fuel ‘sufficient to provide cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking episode’.
Earlier this week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham described the UK as a ‘tinderbox’ and urged ‘all retailers big and small’ to withdraw the sale of disposable barbecues to prevent further wildfires, but following the shocking scenes in Stourbridge which raged overnight, it appears this has been escalated to a formal temporary ban.
The ban applies to all producers and distributors of the product – including retailers that make disposable barbecues available on the British market – and includes online sales too.
A Government statement reads: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the Government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.
“They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.
“These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Emily Sergeant -
8th August 2023 
