Key Points
- Greater Manchester Police seek next of kin.
- Woman, 39, found dead Friday.
- Death occurred in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
- Authorities release appeal for family contact.
- Investigation continues with no foul play suspected.
Bolton (Bolton Today) February 9, 2026 – Greater Manchester Police have launched a next of kin appeal following the death of a 39‑year‑old woman in Bolton on Friday, February 6, 2026, after her body was discovered in the town. As reported by officers at Bolton Police Station, the woman has not yet been formally identified and police are urging anyone who may know her or her family to come forward as they attempt to trace her relatives.
“We are appealing for anyone who may know this woman or her family to contact us as soon as possible,” a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.
What happened in Bolton on Friday?
On Friday, February 6, 2026, Greater Manchester Police were called to a location in Bolton after the body of a woman was found. Initial checks indicated that she was 39 years old, though her name has not been released pending formal identification and notification of next of kin. As reported by Greater Manchester Police in their official statement, officers responded to the scene and launched an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
According to the force, there is currently “no indication of foul play” at this stage, although inquiries are ongoing and a post‑mortem examination is expected to take place to determine the exact cause of death.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police added: “We are treating this as an unexplained death and are carrying out a thorough investigation.”
Why has police issued a next of kin appeal?
Greater Manchester Police have issued a public appeal for next of kin because the woman’s identity has not yet been confirmed and officers have been unable to trace any immediate family. As stated by the force, the appeal is intended to help them notify relatives and provide support during what is described as a “difficult time.”
The police statement explains: “We are keen to trace the woman’s family so that we can inform them of her death and ensure they receive the appropriate support.”
Officers have asked members of the public who may recognise the woman, or who may know someone who fits her description, to contact them via the non‑emergency number or through the Greater Manchester Police website.
What do we know about the woman?
Greater Manchester Police have not released the woman’s full name, but they have confirmed she was 39 years old at the time of her death. As reported in the force’s appeal, she was found in Bolton, although the exact location within the town has not been disclosed in detail for operational reasons.
The force has also not yet provided a detailed physical description or any photographs of the woman, citing the sensitivity of the case and the need to protect her identity until her family are informed.
A spokesperson said: “We are working closely with partner agencies to establish who this woman is and to contact her loved ones as quickly as possible.”
Is foul play suspected in this case?
At this stage, Greater Manchester Police have indicated that there is “no evidence of foul play” in relation to the woman’s death. As reported in their official statement, officers are treating the incident as an unexplained death and are conducting a full investigation to determine the circumstances.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Our inquiries are ongoing and we are keeping an open mind as to how this woman came to be in the location where she was found.”
The post‑mortem examination is expected to provide further clarity on the cause of death, and police have stressed that they will update the public as more information becomes available.
How can people help with the appeal?
Greater Manchester Police are urging anyone who may know the woman or her family to come forward. As stated in their appeal, the force is particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have seen her in Bolton in the days leading up to her death, or who may recognise her from descriptions provided by friends or acquaintances.
The police have asked people to contact them via the non‑emergency number 101, quoting the reference number for the incident, or to submit information online through the Greater Manchester Police website.
A spokesperson said: “Even the smallest piece of information could help us identify this woman and notify her family.”
What support is available for the family?
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that they are working with partner agencies to provide support to the woman’s family once they are identified. As reported in the force’s statement, officers will ensure that relatives are informed of her death in a sensitive and compassionate manner.
The force has also highlighted the availability of support services for those affected by the loss of a loved one, including bereavement counselling and other community resources.
A spokesperson said: “We understand this is a very difficult time for the family and we are committed to providing them with the support they need.”
What happens next in the investigation?
Greater Manchester Police have indicated that the investigation into the woman’s death will continue, with officers conducting further inquiries and awaiting the results of the post‑mortem examination. As reported in their statement, the force is committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding her death and ensuring that her family are kept informed throughout the process.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We will continue to investigate this incident thoroughly and will update the public as more information becomes available.”
The next of kin appeal will remain active until the woman’s family are traced and notified.