First picture of woman found 'murdered' in country park as family pays tribute
by Alexandra Rucki, Ashlie Blakey, Lorraine KingA woman whose body was found in a park in Manchester has been named pictured for the first time.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a member of the public discovered the human remains in Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport on Monday morning.
Police said the victim is a woman in her 40s.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but she has been named locally as Yvonne Lawson McCann, Manchester Evening News reports.
Yvonne, also known as Vonnie to friends, reportedly lived nearby to the park in Brinnington and is believed to be a mum.
A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
Friends and family have paid tribute to Yvonne on social media sites.
One child posted on Facebook "Miss you mum", while another friend wrote "Please say it's not true Vonnie."
Floral tributes have been left at an entrance to the park as well as at a house nearby.
Detective Superintendent Neil Jones, of Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team, said in a statement released on Tuesday morning: “This is an absolutely devastating incident.
"First and foremost, our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and specialist officers will do everything they can to support them.
“Understandably, this news may cause concern within the community but I would like to provide some reassurance by saying that, at this time, we believe that this was an isolated incident.
"Nevertheless, there will be increased patrols in the area in the coming days and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to those officers.
“Our investigation is in the early stages and, whilst a suspect is in custody being questioned, I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information which may assist us with our enquiries to get in touch without delay.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3400 quoting incident 913 of 25/05/20 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.