SEVERAL questions remain unanswered as cops probe the alleged murder of a woman who vanished from a corner shop.
Police are today searching the Bolton property where Mariann’s remains were found, nine days after she went missing.
A 61-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering the 55-year-old woman, whose surname is unknown.
Mariann, who spoke little English, disappeared on December 14 in Bolton at around 9.30am.
Mariann was last seen alive in a corner shop on Chorley Old Road.
The Hungarian, who spoke little English, was wearing a mid-length cream coat with a furry hood.
Her body was discovered nine days later at a property on Pedder Street, Bolton.
Greater Manchester Police said initial investigations suggest there are suspicious circumstances surrounding Mariann’s death.
In an update yesterday, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: “This is a tragic development to our extensive search for Mariann, which we desperately hoped would not be the case so close to Christmas.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this distressing time.”
It is not currently known why Mariann was in the corner shop where she was last seen.
In CCTV footage released by the police, she can be seen looking over her shoulder.
It took nine days for cops to find Mariann – and the force has not yet given a reason for this delay.
However it did assure the public that it was determined to solve the case.
A spokesperson said: “We are now continuing to work hard to establish the full circumstances in order to bring answers and seek justice for this woman as our enquiries develop.
“We would like to thank members of the local Bolton community who have spoken to our officers and tried to help us with our search since last week, which included sharing our appeals.”
Anyone with information about Mariann’s whereabouts is urged to contact police on 101, quoting log 2159 of 15/12/2024.
