A woman who was discovered in the River Mersey last year has been identified following an extensive police investigation.
She can now be named as Laura Stanley (38) who was originally from Derbyshire and living in Stockport.
Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Laura (pictured) was discovered in the river adjacent to Chorlton Water Park on March 21, 2024, which led to an exhaustive investigation by Greater Manchester’s Major Incident Team.
National and international databases were checked and specialist forensic service providers created an anthropological profile to make a facial reconstruction image.
Following several media appeals, which generated dozens of calls, a relative of Laura contacted officers, who subsequently were able to confirm a DNA match through a familial link.
While Laura has now been identified, further investigations will now take place to understand her last movements, the events that led to her death, and discovery in the river. Anyone who knew Laura and thinks they may be able to assist is asked to contact police with information. It is currently believed that the last sighting of her was in January 2024.
The Professional Standards Directorate is reviewing a previous missing report relating to Laura in the time before the discovery of her body. This review will determine prior contact relating to Laura and whether the appropriate measures were enacted.
Laura’s family said: “Laura was a kind and gentle person with a great sense of fun and adventure. She was generous, thoughtful, caring and always keen to volunteer within the community.
“Laura was a proud and loving mum and she will be greatly missed by her girls and all of her friends and family who loved her dearly.”
They have asked for their privacy as they continue to grieve their loss.
Detective inspector Louise Edwards said: “For the last twelve months, the investigation team have worked meticulously on this case, demonstrating commitment and dedication to giving Laura her identity back and reuniting her with her family and loved ones.
“I would like to pass my condolences on to all of those who knew Laura, especially her family, who we are continuing to support at this awfully difficult time.
“We will now continue to investigate Laura’s last movements and how she ultimately came to be discovered in the River Mersey just over a year ago. These are answers her family deserve and we will be keeping them updated as we carry out this work.
“I would also like to thank Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, who created the facial reconstruction which helped a relative identify her.
“I would also like to thank members of the public who have shared our appeals and provided us with valuable information throughout the investigation. The information has been of great benefit and I am very grateful for this.”
If you have any information, contact police by calling 101, or by using the Live Chat Service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 1191 of March 21, 2024. Alternatively, contact the Major Incident Team Syndicate 3 directly on 0161 856 9479.
