Girl, 17, who died after going missing named

A 17-year-old girl who died after being reported missing in Greater Manchester has been named by police.

Catherine Blackhurst was found at an address on Whalley Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, at about 09:00 BST on Sunday, the day after she was reported missing.

Despite the efforts of emergency services she died at the scene. Exactly how she died remains unclear and detectives are keeping an open mind, Greater Manchester Police said.

A 55-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released on bail.

The force said a post-mortem examination had taken place but Catherine’s cause of death remained “unascertained”.

Det Ch Insp Anna Barker said: “Our investigation is progressing and we are working incredibly hard to support Catherine’s friends and family.

“We know today would have been Catherine’s 18th birthday, and getting the answers for Catherine’s loved ones is at the forefront of the investigation team’s minds.

“The arrested man has been bailed pending further investigation as we progress all available lines of inquiry, such as forensics, to ascertain Catherine’s cause of death.

“We are still appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of Whalley Close on the Saturday and [during the] early hours of Sunday morning to come forward and assist us in our inquiries.”