Stanley Park Murder: 40 Names Passed to Police in Liverpool Case 2026

Key Points

• A female body was found inside a black bin bag in the walled garden of Stanley Park, Liverpool, on 28 August 2014 at about 5.25pm.
• Since the start of the investigation into the murder case by Merseyside Police, over 40 suggestions of names and more than 120 members of the public have been contacted.
• A DNA profile has been generated from forensic examinations; however, there is no match on the DNA database of UK nationals, nor can comparisons be made through dental records.
• The description of the deceased is that she was white, aged about 70, of slim stature with strawberry blonde hair, about 5ft 2in, and wearing a distinctive cerise pink Nike T-shirt.
• A post-mortem examination was performed; however, the cause of death is being kept confidential.
• Investigators are studying missing persons’ files, analyzing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and collaborating with other partners and neighboring police authorities.
• The public can give information using Merseyside Police social media, Merseyside Police Website, 101 (reference 26000706383), and an online public portal, or anonymously using Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Liverpool Police (Liverpool standard) September 04, 2026 – Merseyside Police launched a murder investigation after a member of the public discovered a black bin bag in bushes within the walled garden near the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, Anfield, at about 5.25pm on Friday 28 August. Officers attended and found the body of a woman inside the bag, which detectives believe may have been there for several weeks. A post‑mortem examination has been carried out, but the force has said the results are being withheld for investigative reasons.

As reported by ITV News Granada, Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald, the senior investigating officer, said every call, message and piece of information could prove vital in helping find the person responsible for the woman’s death. He added that investigators were determined to identify the woman, uncover what happened to her and ensure those responsible were held accountable.

Who is the unidentified woman found in Stanley Park?

Detectives have described the woman as white, believed to be around 70 years of age, approximately 5ft 2in (1.57m) tall and of slight build, with strawberry‑blonde hair. She was wearing a distinctive cerise pink Nike T‑shirt when found, and police have released an image of a similar garment in the hope someone would recognise it. According to the Liverpool ECHO, the woman does not have tattoos and was not wearing jewellery.

As reported by the BBC, Labour MP Kim Johnson, whose Liverpool Riverside constituency includes the park, 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.” He added that it was shocking the woman lay there for so long without anyone noticing.

How many names and witnesses have police received?

Merseyside Police said that in the week since the murder investigation began, more than 120 people had contacted them with information, including more than 40 potential names for the woman. Despite this volume of information, detectives have not been able to confirm her identity.

As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said:

“So far, we have received over 120 reports from members of the public, including 40 suggested names, and we are incredibly grateful for the support shown to the investigation.”

He stressed that every piece of information was being thoroughly reviewed to help rule out potential lines of enquiry.

What forensic results have been obtained?

Forensic tests have successfully established a DNA profile for the woman, but officers confirmed there is no match on the UK national DNA database. It has also not been possible to compare dental records, the force said.

As reported by ITV News Granada, a post‑mortem has been completed but detectives confirmed the cause of death is currently being withheld for investigative reasons. The Major Incident Team is carrying out extensive enquiries, including reviewing information provided by the public, checking outstanding missing person reports, examining CCTV and speaking with potential witnesses.

Where was the body found and how long had it been there?

The body was found in the walled garden near the Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, Anfield, a busy and popular green space used by dog walkers, families and people exercising. Officers believe the body may have been there for several weeks before it was discovered on 28 August.

As reported by the Liverpool ECHO, Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said that since the investigation began, people had reported seeing a bin bag while walking their dogs, adding:

“You wouldn’t expect to find a woman in a bag within the park, [I] completely get that.”

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Ryan said it was quite possible that one or more visitors may have seen something suspicious recently and not reported it at the time.

How can the public help the investigation?

Merseyside Police have set out several ways for the public to provide information. People can contact the force on social media @MerPolCC, report information through the Merseyside Police website, or call 101 quoting reference number 26000706383. A dedicated public portal has also been created, allowing people to send images or footage directly to the investigation team. If individuals do not feel comfortable speaking to police directly, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

As reported by ITV News Granada, DCI Fitzgerald said: “Every call, message and piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could prove vital in helping us find the person responsible for this woman’s death.”

Background of the development

The discovery of the woman’s body in Stanley Park prompted an immediate murder investigation and a sustained public appeal for information. In the days that followed, tributes were left in the park, with one note reading: “We hope you get justice and you are now in peace with the Lord above and [the] angels.” The case has drawn attention to questions about how the body went undetected for so long in a frequently visited public space, and has led to renewed calls for the public to come forward with any information that might assist the inquiry.

Prediction: How this development can affect the local community

If the woman remains unidentified and the investigation continues without immediate breakthroughs, the case is likely to sustain heightened concern among residents and regular users of Stanley Park in Anfield. Local people may become more vigilant about reporting suspicious activity and more attentive to the welfare of neighbours, friends and family members they have not seen or heard from in recent weeks, in line with police appeals. Over time, a resolution that identifies the woman and brings those responsible to account would be expected to restore confidence in the safety of the park and provide closure for the community, while an extended period without identification could prolong unease and keep the case prominent in local news coverage.