Police have launched a murder investigation after a body was found in the search for a missing woman. A body was located in the search for Mariann, who had last been seen in Bolton on December 14.
The discovery was made by officers on Monday morning (December 23), who said the deceased matched the description of Mariann. She had been described as being a Hungarian woman in her 50s who speaks little English.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Mariann’s family have been informed of the latest development and are being supported, GMP said.
It is thought there may be suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. A 61-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.
Mariann, whose surname was not disclosed by police, had last been seen on Chorley Old Road in Bolton on December 14, at around 9:30am. Multiple police appeals were issued in a bid to help trace her.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, from GMP’s Bolton district, said: “This is a tragic development to our extensive search for Mariann, which we desperately hoped would not be the case so close to Christmas. Our thoughts are with her family at this distressing time.
“We are now continuing to work hard to establish the full circumstances in order to bring answers and seek justice for this woman as our enquiries develop.
“We would like to thank members of the local Bolton community who have spoken to our officers and tried to help us with our search since last week, which included sharing our appeals.”
