River Mersey body identified from facial reconstruction

A woman whose body was found in a river was identified after a relative recognised a reconstruction of her face.

Laura Stanley, 38, was found in the River Mersey near Chorlton Water Park on 21 March 2024.

Greater Manchester Police brought in facial reconstruction experts From Liverpool John Moores university to produce an image of how Ms Stanley – originally from Derbyshire but living in Stockport – would have looked.

In a tribute, her family described her as a “kind and gentle” mother with a “great sense of fun and adventure”.

The university’s Face Lab created the reconstruction, which helped one of Ms Stanley’s relatives recognise her.

A DNA match to a family member was then made.

Paying tribute to her, Ms Stanley’s family said: “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.”

GMP said it was continuing to investigate her last movements, the events that led to her death, and the discovery of her body in the river.

The force believe she was last seen in January 2024.

It appealed for anyone with information to contact the force.

Det Insp Louise Edwards said: “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.”

GMP added the Professional Standards Directorate are reviewing a previous missing report relating to Ms Stanley, and whether the force followed it up properly.