Officers appeal for information following death of woman near M56

Officers are appealing for information as they seek to identify a woman who died on the M56 on Monday (31 July 2023).

At around 2.40am, officers were called to reports of a concern for the welfare of a woman at the Thorley Lane over bridge, leading to junction 5.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the woman sadly died. Her death is not currently being treated as suspicious.

The woman is described as white, 5’3” tall, with shoulder length, mousey brown hair, which is straight and greying in places. Her age was in the region of 40s – 60s. She was wearing pink nail varnish.

She was wearing dark clothing, pink and brown tortoise shell spectacles, a gold-coloured bracelet with a gold-coloured beaded clasp, and a gold-coloured ring with a knot design on her right ring finger.

A further gold coloured ring on her left ring finger contained a set of clear stones, while there was also a gold-coloured chain around her neck.

Also located were a patterned, brown-coloured headband and a wristwatch with a black leather strap.

Officers are now seeking information from someone who may know the woman, saw something in the area, or additionally has dashcam footage from around the time.

Detective Inspector Paul Costello of GMP’s Trafford district, said: “We are utilising all enquiries to ensure we find the woman’s next-of-kin, and we hope that a member of the public may be able to recognise her from the description given.

“I would ask anyone who may have information, no matter how little they think it is, to please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or 0161 856 9677, quoting log number 280 of 31/7/23. You can also report information at www.gmp.police.uk.