Eight months on from a truly tragic discovery, a vital clue could finally solve the Chorlton Water Park mystery

Eight months ago, a terrible discovery was made at Chorlton Water Park. In the River Mersey, as it passes the south Manchester nature reserve, was a body.

The woman was wearing a distinctive neon green corset-style top from Primark; New Look jeans; and anti-slip socks. She had an elastic band and a hair bobble around her wrist.

Despite months of forensic and investigative work, Greater Manchester Police don't know who she is. The identity of the woman found on March 21 remains a mystery.

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Now detectives have released an image of a facial reconstruction put together with graphics experts. They hope it will finally crack the case. Detective Inspector Louise Edwards from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "We have had information from members of the public and are following all lines of enquiry, but there's not yet been a confirmed match.

"She could be somebody's daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, cousin, work colleague. There must be somebody out there who knows who she is. We want to ensure she gets back to her loved ones."

Police worked with Face Lab, a research group at Liverpool John Moores University, on the reconstruction. Specialists use portraits and skeletal remains to analyse and reconstruct the faces of historical figures and often support police with forensic cases.

GMP believe the woman of a 'European' background; around five foot one; of a slim build; with dark brown hair. She was likely aged between 26 and 40, though could have been be older or younger.

Detectives believe the woman may have in the water for around a month or two. "We have worked with numerous experts covering a wide range of forensic examinations and tests available to us, but because of the length of time she'd been in the river, it's made all our examinations more complex," Det Insp Edwards added.

"We have sadly been unable to uncover the woman's identity. We want nothing more than to reunite her with her family and friends."

The woman was discovered wearing a neon green strapless top from Primark; black New Look 'Jenna' jeans in a size 8; and dark green anti-slip socks. She had no jewellery, shoes or a jacket.

"The socks she was wearing are quite distinctive, because they're the type that used in hospitals and care facilities," Det Insp Edwards said. "But they can be purchased online as well. We urge people to think about that clothing and try and remember if any of their family or friends have been wearing those items.

"The River Mersey is quite a complex river to understand. The River Tame travels through Tameside and the Goyt through Derbyshire and into Manchester, and both form the Mersey.

"So it could be that she entered the water somewhere else and she's come downstream where she was discovered. We also think that she may have been on the riverbed for a period of time before rising up."

Detectives are continuing to work with the National Crime Agency to review local, national and international missing persons databases to look for a case that may match. There is also further forensic analysis of the body due to be carried out.

Det Insp Edwards said detectives were still working to establish the cause of death and are keeping an open mind.

"The investigation team have been really committed to finding out who this woman is and we've been working since March to establish that," she added.

"We just want people to come forward with information, even if they don't think it's relevant. It could be. Even the smallest amount of information could greatly benefit in finding out who she is, and the circumstances which led to her sadly being discovered in the river more than eight months ago."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police by calling 101, or by using the Live Chat Service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 1191 of 21 March 2024. Alternatively, contact the Major Incident Team Syndicate 3 directly on 0161 856 9479.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Information can also be provided online using the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal here - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24A75-PO1