Police treating death of woman found on footpath as suspicious

Police investigating the death of a woman whose body was found on a footpath in Rochdale are treating the incident as suspicious, the Manchester Evening News understands.

A major incident was launched after the body of a woman, believed to be in her 40s, was discovered near the Sandbrook Park shopping centre at around 4.30am on Monday morning (July 17). Police initially responded to reports of concern for the welfare of a person.

According to Greater Manchester Police's public portal, detectives are treating her death as suspicious at this stage. A statement on the portal reads: "GMP have launched an investigation into the suspicious death of a female and are appealing for information.

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"At 0430 hours on Monday 17th July 2023, police received a call reporting a female had been found deceased on the pathways behind Ashfield Primary school, New Barn Lane, OL11 1TA.

"Greater Manchester Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. This includes any witnesses, anyone with knowledge of the incident, CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage in relation to this incident. Information can be provided via the MIPP portal."

Following the discovery yesterday, police taped off an area of footpath near New Barn Lane for a number of hours, with multiple police vehicles spotted near to the scene. Two forensic tents were pictured inside the police cordon, with crime scene investigators seen combing the area for evidence.

Forensic teams could be seen placing yellow markers on the pathway. As uniformed officers guarded the area, residents described the incident as 'frightening'.

"It's frightening," one neighbour said. "I've never witnessed