Woman's body located in search for missing Mariann, with murder investigation launched

Earlier today (Monday 23 December 2024), we sadly found the body of a woman matching Mariann’s description deceased. Formal identification is yet to take place.  

She has been missing from Bolton since Saturday 14 December and extensive searches have taken place, including several appeals to the local community .

Initial enquiries suggest there are suspicious circumstances around the death. 

A 61-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at this time for questioning. 

Mariann’s family have been informed of the development and are now being supported by family liaison officers.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, from our Bolton district, said: "This is a tragic development to our extensive search for Mariann, which we desperately hoped would not be the case so close to Christmas. Our thoughts are with her family at this distressing time.

"We are now continuing to work hard to establish the full circumstances in order to bring answers and seek justice for this woman as our enquiries develop.

"We would like to thank members of the local Bolton community who have spoken to our officers and tried to help us with our search since last week, which included sharing our appeals."