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Images of clothes and jewellery released in a bid to identify woman who died on M56 near Manchester Airport

GMP is hoping the woman’s next-of-kin may recognise what she was wearing.

Emily Sergeant - 8th August 2023

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.

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.

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.

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