A murder investigation has been launched after the body of an elderly woman was discovered inside a black bin bag in a popular Liverpool park. The grim discovery was made at about 5.25pm on Friday, August 28, when a member of the public found the remains in the walled garden area of Stanley Park in Anfield.

Merseyside Police were called to the scene and detectives immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. The victim has not yet been identified, with police saying they believe she may have been dead and undiscovered for several weeks.

A post-mortem examination was carried out on Saturday, August 29, but detectives have not released the results, saying the findings are being withheld for investigative reasons.

Police described the woman as white and believed to be in her 70s. She was about 5ft 2in tall, of small build and had strawberry-blonde hair.

Detectives are particularly keen to trace anyone who recognises the distinctive clothing she was wearing when she was found – a cerise or pink Nike T-shirt.

Officers have checked missing-person reports across Merseyside and elsewhere but have so far been unable to establish her identity.

They have urged people to think about elderly neighbours, relatives or friends who may not have been seen or heard from for several weeks.

A large cordon remains in place at Stanley Park as forensic officers continue to examine the scene.

Tents have been erected in the park while police have searched areas of overgrown vegetation around where the body was found.

A mobile police station has also been deployed as officers carry out further enquiries.

Detectives are conducting house-to-house investigations and examining CCTV as they try to establish how the woman came to be in the park and who may have left her there.

The discovery has prompted concern because Stanley Park is a well-used public space between Liverpool’s Anfield and Goodison Park football stadiums.

Some members of the public have told police they remember seeing a black bin bag while walking their dogs in the area.

However, the body apparently remained undiscovered despite the popularity of the park.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Harrison, who is leading the investigation, has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed suspicious behaviour around the park or who knows of a woman matching the description who has recently disappeared from contact.

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police on 101, quoting reference 26000706383.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.