A woman has been identified a year after her body was discovered in the River Mersey, police say.
Laura Stanley, 38, was found dead near Chorlton Water Park in Manchester on 21 March last year.
She has now been named by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
The force said a relative had contacted officers after a facial reconstruction image was released.
Image: Police previously released a facial reconstruction image. Pic: GMP/PA
A DNA match was then confirmed through a familial link.
Ms Stanley was originally from Derbyshire and had been living in Stockport.
Her family said in a tribute: “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.”
Investigators are now trying to piece together the final movements of Ms Stanley, who is believed to have last been seen around January 2024.
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GMP’s professional standards directorate is “reviewing a previous missing report” relating to Ms Stanley before her body was discovered.
“This review will determine prior contact relating to Laura and whether the appropriate measures were enacted,” the force said.
Detective Inspector Louise Edwards said: “For the last 12 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.”
