Authorities have launched a murder investigation after the body of an elderly woman was discovered in Stanley Park, Liverpool. Police responded to reports of a body found in a walled garden area of the park on Friday afternoon, with the discovery made shortly before 5:30 p.m. by a member of the public.

The victim has not yet been identified but is described as a white woman in her 70s, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, with a small build and strawberry-blonde hair. She was wearing a distinctive pink Nike T-shirt at the time she was found. Merseyside Police indicated that preliminary inquiries suggest the body may have been in the park for several weeks.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson stated that officers have pursued multiple lines of inquiry, including reviewing missing persons reports from Merseyside and the broader region, though no positive identification has been made so far. Wilson appealed to the public for assistance, specifically asking anyone who has been in or near Stanley Park’s walled garden recently—such as walkers and dog walkers—to come forward with any information or observations of suspicious activity.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on Saturday, but the results have been withheld pending the ongoing investigation. Police continue to gather evidence through CCTV footage, witness interviews, and forensic analysis.

Local residents expressed concern following the discovery. Patrick Burns, who lives near the park, described the situation as unsettling given its proximity to his home. Meanwhile, an elderly dog walker, Bobby Potts, noted that the park is generally a safe and familiar area frequented by community members.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death as investigations remain active. They continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to contact Merseyside Police to aid in identifying the victim and establishing the cause of death.