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Police investigation launched following death of 17-year-old girl reported missing in Tameside

A man, 55, has also been arrested.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 23rd September 2025

A police investigation has been launched following the death of a 17-year-old girl who was reported missing in Tameside.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that enquiries led them to an address on Whalley Close, in Ashton-under-Lyne, at around 9am on Sunday 21 September, but despite the best efforts of all emergency service workers involved, the girl sadly died at the scene.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police do believe it is 17-year-old Catherine, who was reported missing on Saturday.

Her next of kin has been informed, and officers are supporting them.

At this time, investigating officers say that her cause of death remains ‘unclear’, but detectives are ‘keeping an open mind’.

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A 55-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, and he remains in police custody for questioning.

Police are now appealing to the public, and are urging anyone with information, no matter how small it might seem, to get in touch and help with enquiries.

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“Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young person who has tragically lost their life, who we sadly believe was missing Catherine,” commented Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker.

“Although we have a man in custody, our investigation team is keeping an open mind and are following several lines of enquiry. We are trying to get all the answers we can for the family of this young person who is at the forefront of the investigation team’s mind.

“A scene will remain in place while officers conduct their investigation, and if you have any concerns, please speak to an officer who will listen to you.”

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Appeals have now been issued for anyone who may have been in the Whalley Close area on the Saturday and early hours of Sunday morning.

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“Every piece of information, no matter how small it might seem, helps us build a clearer picture in this investigation,” DCI Barker added.

“Anyone who has any information, CCTV, mobile phone or Ring doorbell footage is urged to contact police on 0161 856 9307, quoting the log number 802 of 21/09/2025, or online via gmp.police.uk.”

Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons