More than a week after a woman's body was discovered in a bin bag in Liverpool's Stanley Park, Merseyside Police have received over 120 witness reports and 40 possible names, but efforts to identify her have so far been unsuccessful. The woman, believed to be around 70 years old, approximately 5ft 2in tall and of slight build with strawberry blonde hair, was found wearing a distinctive pink Nike t-shirt.
Discovery and initial investigation
Officers were called to the scene at about 5.25pm on August 28 after a member of the public found a black bin bag in bushes in the walled garden area of the park. The woman's body was found inside the bag, with early signs indicating it had been there for a number of weeks.
The force confirmed that detectives had ruled out a number of lines of enquiry related to the public's information. Forensic tests established a DNA profile, but there was no match on the national database. Dental records have also been compared. The ECHO understands the victim had no tattoos, was not wearing jewellery and had no key identifying features other than those already described.
Police appeal and public response
A post-mortem investigation has taken place, but the cause of death has been withheld by detectives "for investigative reasons." Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald, the senior investigating officer, thanked the public for their support, noting the force had received over 120 reports and 40 suggested names.
Merseyside Police said detectives from its major incident team were working with neighbouring police forces and partner agencies. They are also reviewing information supplied by the public, examining outstanding missing person reports, trawling CCTV and carrying out potential witness enquiries.
Community reaction and ongoing presence
Labour MP Kim Johnson told the BBC: "I find it very tragic that one of our elderly constituents suffered such a terrible end to her life and no-one knew she was there. I think what is shocking is that the woman lay there for so long without anyone noticing." RASA Merseyside, a charity supporting those who have suffered sexual violence, said: "We are thinking of the woman, whoever she may be, and of those who are waiting for answers. Every woman deserves to be safe. Every woman deserves to be remembered. Every woman deserves to be named."
Bouquets of flowers have been left in the park, with one note saying: "We hope you get justice and you are now in peace with the Lord above and [the] angels." A significant police presence has remained, including fingertip sweeps, forensic work under a blue tent, and a mobile station for locals to pass on information.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said: "This is a horrific, shocking crime, but we're absolutely determined to make sure we find out who the offender is, who was responsible, [and] ultimately identify our victim to make sure we get justice for her and her family." Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ryan noted the park is busy and popular, and urged anyone who saw something suspicious to come forward.
Merseyside Police are urging anyone who recognises the description or has concerns about someone who has not been seen recently to come forward. Information can be reported via social media @MerPolCC, the force's website, or by calling 101 quoting reference number 26000706383. A dedicated public portal has been created for images or footage, and Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
