Shock as woman dies on footpath near Bolton church

Emergency services were called to Junction Road in Deane at just before 10am today, March 2.

But tragically upon arrival, a woman died at the scene.

Her age has not yet been released, but police have confirmed that there are no suspicious circumstances around her death.

Officers unloading a forensic tent (Image: NQ)

A GMP spokesperson said: “Emergency services responded to reports of a concern for welfare on Junction Road in Bolton this morning, Monday, March 2.

“Sadly, a woman died at the scene. The scene will remain in place whilst officers conduct their enquiries.”

A footpath which runs off Junction Road, down the side of the St Mary’s Church, Deane, cemetery, was seen cordoned off.

As of 10.45am, Junction Road itself had also been cordoned off, with at least eight NWAS vehicles on scene, including ambulances, rapid response vehicles and larger paramedic vehicles, as well as two air ambulances.

Forensic tent set up on the path (Image: NQ)

There were also a number of police vehicles on scene.

But by 11am the road cordon was lifted, with the ambulance vehicles and air ambulance leaving. Police remained on scene to guard the cordon on the footpath, which remained in place.

More officers later arrived to set up a tent on the path.

To see this event as it unfolded, follow this link for our live blog: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/25898612.emergency-services-scene-woman-dies-bolton/

Police and paramedics on scene (Image: NQ)

The path leads to The Middlebrook Valley Trail. The popular walking and cycling route connects Bolton town centre to the Middlebrook Retail Park/Horwich area, passing through Deane Church Clough, Ladybridge, and along the Middle Brook.

The Bolton News spoke to residents on the scene about how events unfolded today.

One said: “I just saw police cars, helicopters and the ambulances. 

“There was a lot of police and ambulances, then a lot of them went.” 

Upon hearing that a woman had died, he said: “Aw bless, it’s not nice.” 

CSI on scene (Image: NQ)

He added that there had previously been other police incidents in the area.

Another described it as “awful”.

One other added: “We didn’t see anything or hear anything at all until we heard the sirens at around 9.50am. 

“We heard a lot of sirens and helicopters, it was busy.” 

The resident added that nothing like this “ever happens around here”, with dog walkers using the path to cut through.

Another resident concurred that the path is regularly used by dog walkers.