THE decomposed body of a woman found near Raikes Lane in Bolton has been identified.

Rebecca Mey’s body was found in woodland near Raikes Clough, Burden, on October 10.

The discovery, just before 5.40pm, led to a major police appeal to help identify the woman.

Photographs of distinctive jewellery she was wearing were released by police in the hope of discovering who the woman was.

Ms Mey, aged 37, lived in Redditch, in the Midlands. She had last been seen in Bolton on Sunday, September 1.

A post mortem examination failed to reveal how she died.

Police are now appealing to the public to help piece together Ms Mey’s final movements.

She was last seen by friends on Saturday, August 31, in Manchester.

On Sunday, September 1, she travelled to Bolton by train and arrived at the station in Trinity Street at about 12pm.

People saw her at least twice by the river in Raikes Clough, a wooded area near the A666 and Raikes Lane.

When she was last seen she was wearing a black T-shirt with a diamond effect cat motif, a black cardigan, black trousers and calf-length black Doctor Martin boots.

Since she was last seen she had obtained a dark blue duffle coat from Zara that had a belt and a black fur collar.

It is thought she may have bought the coat from a local charity shop. She suffered from severe migraines and may have bought pain relief medication while in Bolton town centre.

Det Insp Sarah May, from Bolton North police, said: "Formal identification has now taken place and we have been able to inform the family of Rebecca about their loss.

“Although the post mortem proved inconclusive, there is nothing at this stage to suggest that there was any third party involvement in her death.


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"I would ask anyone who may recognise the picture of Rebecca and who may remember seeing her either shopping in the town centre or down by the river to contact us.

"We are keen to piece together the final movements of her and need the public’s help in doing that.”

People with information can call the police on 0161 8565608 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.