Woman found dead in bin bag has no DNA database match

Forensic tests on a woman found dead inside a bin bag in a Liverpool park have produced a DNA profile, but it has not matched the UK's national database, police have said.

The woman, believed to have been about 70, was discovered in the walled garden near the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, Anfield on 28 August.

Merseyside Police said it had also been unable to compare dental records as detectives continued trying to identify her.

The force said more than 40 possible names had been put forward and more than 120 people had contacted them with information since a murder investigation was launched, but she has not been identified.

In its latest appeal, the force said detectives were continuing to work to establish the woman's identity and find those responsible for her death.

"This woman deserves to be identified," it said.

Detectives have asked people to consider whether they have a relative, friend or neighbour from whom they have not heard for several weeks

The woman was white, believed to be about 70 and approximately 5ft 2in (1.57m) tall.

She was of slight build, had strawberry blonde hair and was wearing a distinctive cerise pink Nike T-shirt.

Police previously released an image of a similar garment in the hope that it would help someone recognise her.

Labour MP Kim Johnson, whose Liverpool Riverside constituency includes the park area, said the community was troubled.

He said: "I find it very tragic that one of our elderly constituents suffered such a terrible end to her life and no-one knew she was there.

"I think what is shocking is that the woman lay there for so long without anyone noticing."

A woman in her 70s who lives nearby told the BBC: "A lot of people use Stanley Park to walk their dogs or they cut through to get to the shops, so for this to happen, and for her to have been there for as long as they say she has been, it's pretty frightening.

She added she was "always careful" when she went out but that "you're looking over your shoulder if you see anyone you don't recognise".

On Monday Det Supt Rachel Wilson said a post-mortem examination into the "shocking crime" was carried out but the result had been withheld for investigation reasons.

Wilson said: "I want to take the opportunity to ask people to please consider whether you have any neighbours, family members or friends who live in the area, someone you may not have seen or heard from for a few weeks."

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