Case referred to police watchdog due to previous contact with the deceased
An investigation is under way after the body of a 93-year-old woman was discovered at her home in south-east Manchester on Wednesday morning.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a 39-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the tragic incident, which unfolded at a residential property on Altrincham Road, in the Gatley area of Stockport. Officers were called to the address at around 9.38am on 16 April, where they found the elderly woman deceased inside.
The identity of the victim has not yet been made public, and a post-mortem examination is expected to take place in the coming days to establish the cause of death. Due to previous police contact with the deceased, the case has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the national watchdog overseeing complaints and serious incidents involving police forces across England and Wales.
A large emergency response was seen at the scene, with eyewitnesses reporting the presence of fire engines, paramedics, and multiple police vehicles. A local resident told the Manchester Evening News: “It was all going off – sirens everywhere, and the whole street was suddenly filled with police. You don’t expect anything like this on a Wednesday morning. Everyone’s just shocked.”
Police have erected a cordon around the property, and a forensics team has been seen entering and exiting the house throughout the day. Officers have confirmed that a crime scene remains in place while investigations continue.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have assured the public that they believe the incident to be isolated, and there is no broader threat to the wider community. In a statement, GMP said: “Officers were called to an address on Altrincham Road at 9.38am. Sadly, a 93-year-old woman was found deceased in the property.
“Following initial enquiries, a 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing and a cordon remains in place at the scene.”
Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen, who is leading the investigation, said: “The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
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He continued: “We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made and no wider threat. We will continue to maintain an increased police presence in the area in the coming days, and local officers will be on hand to provide reassurance and answer any concerns residents may have.”
Neighbourhood patrols are expected to be increased around Altrincham Road and surrounding streets, with community support officers engaging with residents.
Due to the prior police contact with the deceased, the case has automatically triggered a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who will now determine whether a full investigation into the earlier interactions is required.
Anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual in the area on the morning of Wednesday 16 April is urged to come forward. Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them on 101, quoting log number 726 of 16/04/2025.
Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
