Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman's body was found in Stanley Park. Officers were called to the park on Friday August 28 at 5.25pm by a member of the public.
When officers arrived they found the body of the woman in the area of the walled garden. Enquiries remain ongoing to identify the woman and inform her next of kin. A post-mortem has taken place today, but the results have been withheld for investigative reasons.
Woman's description released
The woman who has died is believed to be in her 70s, of small build, with strawberry blonde hair. She was wearing a distinctive pink t-shirt and police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information about her.
Police say that preliminary enquiries suggest the woman’s body could have been there for a number of weeks. Police have confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries are in the process of being carried out.
Detective's appeal to the public
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: “We understand that this will be distressing and worrying for people to hear and I want the local community to be reassured that we are doing everything in our powers to find the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice.
“We have carried out a number of lines of enquiry, including examining any missing people reports in the Merseyside and wider area, but at this stage we have not been able to identify the woman and would ask for the public’s help by coming forward with any information.
“We know she is a white woman, aged in her 70s, approximately 5ft 2in tall, of small build with strawberry blonde hair.
“When she was found she was wearing a distinctive cerise pink Nike T-shirt.
“Do you recognise the description of the woman or do you have any information about who she is? Please come forward and tell us what you know.
“I would also ask any walkers or dog walkers who have been in the park, and specifically the area of the walled garden, in recent days or weeks - have you seen or heard anyone acting suspiciously or do you have any information which could assist our investigation? Please speak to us as a matter of urgency.”
Scene and community reaction
Earlier today, crime scene detectives in white suits were busy around the blue forensic tent with uniformed officers patrolling the perimeter. Three gates around the scene were taped off.
Dog walkers and football fans making their way to the match stopped to watch the scene.
Bobby Potts, 80, was walking his dog, Alf, past the scene in Stanley Park this morning. He said: “I walk my dog every day in this park, and it’s a good place. Most of the people coming in know each other.
“It’s a long time since something like this happened here. You see stuff like this on the telly, but it’s getting a bit close to home here.”
Patrick Burns, 41, has lived on Anfield Road for 15 years. His home faces the edge of the park where the woman’s body was found.
He said: “It’s scary. You don’t expect it to happen on your doorstep. The first I heard about it was reading the ECHO; it’s a real shock.”
Another Anfield Road resident said: “It’s terrible. It’s a nice park, with kids playing football in the week. Whoever it is, it’s a real shame for it to happen, and a terrible shock too.”
Ongoing enquiries and how to help
A police cordon remains place tonight inside the park while enquiries remain ongoing and anyone with concerns is asked to speak to police officers at the scene. A mobile police station will also be in the vicinity of the park from tomorrow, Sunday 30 August.
Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk using X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via the website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 quoting reference 26000706383.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously In an emergency always call 999.
Information, including video, can also be passed on via the Major Incident Public Portal: Public Portal
