A facial reconstruction of a woman whose body was found in a river has been released by police more than eight months after she was discovered.

The woman, wearing a lime-green Primark crop-top and New Look jeans, was found by a member of the public in the River Mersey, near Chorlton Water Park in Manchester, on March 21 but remains unidentified.

On Friday, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) released a facial reconstruction, created by Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, in the hope someone might recognise her.

We want nothing more than to reunite her with her family and friends

Detective Inspector Louise Edwards, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We have worked with numerous experts covering a wide range of forensic examinations and tests available to us, but we have sadly been unable to uncover the woman’s identity.

“We want nothing more than to reunite her with her family and friends. She could be someone’s mother, auntie, sister, or cousin – somebody out there will know who she is and we want to ensure she gets back to her loved ones.

“If you have any information at all, please do get in touch with us. Even the smallest amount of information could greatly benefit in finding out who she is, and the circumstances which led to her sadly being discovered in the river more than eight months ago.”

The force said detailed forensic, DNA and investigative work had been carried out over the past eight months.

The woman is described as being from a European background, about 5ft 1in, of a slim build and with dark brown hair.

Police believe she is between 26 and 40, although could be older or younger.

When discovered, she was wearing a Primark neon green strapless corset style top, New Look branded Jenna black jeans in a size 8, and dark green anti-slip socks, of the type that are believed to be used in hospitals and care facilities, although can also be purchased in shops and online.

The woman, who had an elastic band and hair bobble on her wrist, is thought to have been in the water for one or two months before she was discovered.

Police believe she may have entered the water in a surrounding area or region, with the River Tame and River Goyt both merging into the River Mersey.

Her cause of death is being treated as unexplained and further analysis of her body is due to be completed.

Anyone who may recognise the woman or has information can contact police on 101, by using the Live Chat Service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 1191 of 21 March 2024, or online at mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24A75-PO1.

The major incident team can be called directly on 0161 856 9479, or information can be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.