Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Monday 31st March 2025, at 14:35hrs
After a year of tireless investigation, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have identified the woman whose body was discovered in the River Mersey last year.
She has been named as 38-year-old Laura Stanley, originally from Derbyshire and residing in Stockport.
Laura’s body was found adjacent to Chorlton Water Park on March 21, 2023.
The discovery sparked an extensive investigation by GMP’s Major Incident Team (MIT), which included detailed checks of national and international databases, as well as collaboration with forensic specialists to create an anthropological profile and a facial reconstruction image.
Following multiple media appeals, a relative of Laura’s contacted police, leading to a DNA match that confirmed her identity.
Her family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Louise Edwards from GMP’s Major Incident Team expressed her condolences to Laura’s family and praised the dedicated work of her team.
“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,” she stated.
Laura’s family released a heartfelt tribute, describing her as “a kind and gentle person with a great sense of fun and adventure.” They added, “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.” The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
While Laura’s identity has been confirmed, the investigation continues to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Police are seeking information about her last movements, particularly as it is believed she was last seen around January 2024.
“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,” said DI Edwards.
GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate is also conducting a review of a previous missing person report related to Laura, to ensure all appropriate measures were taken.
Police extended their gratitude to Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University for their crucial work in creating the facial reconstruction, and to the public for their assistance in sharing appeals and providing information.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101, using the Live Chat Service at http://gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 1191 of 21 March 2024, or contacting the Major Incident Team Syndicate 3 directly on 0161 856 9479.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
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