A woman died on the M56 motorway near Manchester Airport after the emergency services were called out of concern for her welfare.

Police said the emergency services were called to the bridge over the M56 motorway on Thorley Lane at around 2.40am on Monday.

Tragically, despite their efforts, a woman died at the scene. 

Police started an appeal for information about her identity.

She is described as white, in her 40s to 60s, with brown, shoulder-length, straight hair.

She was wearing dark clothing, a patterned headband, tortoiseshell glasses, a gold-coloured bracelet, a gold-coloured chain, two gold-coloured rings and a wristwatch.

There are thought to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, police said.

Detective Inspector Paul Costello, of GMP Trafford, said: "We are utilising all enquiries to ensure we find the woman's next of kin and we hope a member of the public may be able to recognise her from the description.

"I would ask anyone with information, no matter how little they think it is, to please get in touch with us."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or the LiveChat on gmp.police.uk.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.