THE decomposed body of a woman from Redditch, found in woodland in Bolton, has been identified.

Rebecca May’s body was found in woodland near Raikes Clough, Burden, on October 10.

The discovery just before 5.40pm led to a major police appeal to help identify the woman. Photographs of distinctive jewellery she was wearing were released by police in the hope of discovering who the woman was.

Ms May, aged 37, lived in Redditch, but was last seen in Bolton on Sunday, September 1.

A post mortem examination was not able to establish how she died.

Police in Bolton have appealed to the public to help piece together Ms May’s final movements.

She was last seen by friends on Saturday, August 31 in Manchester. On Sunday, September 1 she travelled to Bolton by train and arrived at the station in Trinity Street at about noon.

People saw her at least twice by the river in Raikes Clough, a wooded area near to the A666 in Bolton.

When she was last seen she was wearing a black T-shirt with a diamond effect cat motif, a black cardigan, black trousers and calf length, black Doctor Martin boots.

Since she was last seen she had obtained a dark blue duffle coat from Zara that had a belt and a black fur collar. It is thought she may have bought the coat from a local charity shop. She suffered from severe migraines and may have bought pain relief medication while in Bolton town centre.

Det Insp Sarah May, from Bolton North INPT, said: "Formal identification has now taken place and we have been able to inform the family of Rebecca about their loss.

“Although the post mortem proved inconclusive, there is nothing at this stage to suggest that there was any third party involvement in her death."

People with information should call the police on 0161 856 5608 or call charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.