Primary school forced to close after body of woman found 'very close by' in early hours of morning

A primary school has been forced to close this morning after the body of a woman was discovered on a footpath in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team have launched an investigation following the grim discovery in the early hours of Monday morning (17 July).

Police were called by paramedics from North West Ambulance Service at around 4.30am following reports of the concern for welfare of a person near Sandbrook Park retail centre.

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The body of a woman, believed to be in her 40s, was tragically found at the scene - prompting a section of the area to be cordoned off by police.

As the ongoing incident is situated 'very close' to Ashfield Primary School, the school has been forced to close for the day, as detectives carry out their enquiries.

Crime Scene Investigators have been pictured at the scene, with two forensic tents spotted inside the cordon.

In a statement from the scene, Rochdale District Commander Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter, made a direct appeal to the community for help with their investigation.

"This morning GMP and paramedics responded to an incident very close to Ashfield Valley Primary School," she said. "Unfortunately a female was found at this location and I can confirm this morning she is deceased.

"We now have an ongoing investigation and have specialist resources down at the scene and we are working really hard to establish what has occurred.

"I am appealing to you the community and any witnesses who may have seen something that occurred in the early hours of this morning 17th July. If you know anything about this, anything at all, please contact GMP and if you have any