A BODY discovered in a river over a year ago has been identified as a missing mum-of-two.
Police launched a huge probe to identify the woman after she was pulled from the River Mersey on March 21, 2024.
MEN MediaLaura’s body was pulled from the River Mersey last March[/caption]
It has now been confirmed that the remains belonged to 38-year-old Laura Stanley, who was from Derbyshire but living in Stockport.
The mum-of-two was last seen around January 2024 before vanishing without a trace.
Paying tribute, 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.”
The horror unfolded last year when the tragic discovery was made next to Chorlton Water Park.
Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team (MIT) carried out meticulous checks of national and international databases in a bid to identify the woman.
Officers also worked with specialist forensic service providers to create an anthropological profile and a facial reconstruction image.
After making several appeals, Laura’s family got in touch with police, who were then able to confirm a DNA match over a year later.
The force is now working to piece together her final movements and try to establish how Laura ended up in the river.
They also confirmed the Professional Standards Directorate are reviewing a previous missing report relating to Laura, which is standard practice.
The report came before her body was discovered – with the review examining prior contact relating to Laura and whether the appropriate measures were taken.
Detective Inspector Louise Edwards, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, 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 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.”
Anyone who knew Laura or has information on the tragedy has been asked to call police on 101 quoting log number 1191 of 21 March 2024.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or ring the Major Incident Team Syndicate 3 directly on 0161 856 9479.
PALaura was last seen in January 2024[/caption]
MEN MediaPolice launched a huge probe to identify the body[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
