POLICE have confirmed that a body found in the Leeds and Liverpool canal is that of Ramsbottom pensioner Sandrea Pilkington.
The 70-year-old’s body was found in Kildwick, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday morning, but she was not formally identified until yesterday.
Detectives said Mrs Pilkington may have visited the village because she got married there.
North Yorkshire police understand she travelled from Ramsbottom to Skipton by taxi, arriving in the town around 6.30am on Monday, before moving on to Kildwick around 7am.
It is known that Mrs Pilkington spent some time in the White Lion public house on the afternoon of Monday but officers are keen to know if she visited anywhere else during the day or that evening.
The last believed sighting of Mrs Pilkington was at midnight on Monday, when a woman matching her description was seen near the canal.
Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, who is heading the investigation, said: “I am aware many years ago she had a connection to the village and may have been married at the church.
“Her maiden name was Longmore, so I am hoping this also prompts further information. Clearly why and how she ended up in the canal remains a priority for us to establish.”
Officers from Greater Manchester Police are supporting Mrs Pilkington’s family.
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