Mariann disappeared from Bolton on December 14 – prompting a desperate search from Greater Manchester Police. On Monday, the force confirmed that she was tragically found dead
A missing woman who vanished for over a week has sadly been discovered dead just days before Christmas.
The lady, named only as Mariann, was last seen in the Bolton area of Manchester on December 14. Greater Manchester Police discovered her lifeless on Monday morning and said the body matched her description.
It comes after the force issued an earlier appeal and said: “Following a number of appeals over the last week, officers both in Bolton and supported by specialist units are continuing to work around the clock to search for Mariann, as we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.”
Police have since launched a murder investigation and believe there could be suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Officers have since arrested a 61-year-old man on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time.
Mariann was 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, Greater Manchester Police said.
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, reports Manchester Evening News. 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.”