UPDATE: |GMP referred to police watchdog after woman, 93, found dead and murder probe launched News

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that it has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after a 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder

Greater Manchester Police has made a “mandatory” referral to a police watchdog following the death of a 93-year-old woman in Gatley.

A 39-year-old woman has today been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death, and a murder investigation has now been launched.

In a statement shared with the Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they have made a referral to Independent Office for Police Conduct as the deceased had “previous contact” with police.

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The statement read: “Due to previous contact with the deceased, we have made a mandatory referral of this incident to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.”

GMP went on to confirm that officers remain operational after the referral, adding: “Following an initial assessment by GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, all officers remain fully operational.”

A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a 93-year=old was discovered at a house on Altrincham Road in Gatley this morning.

Police have now launched an investigation following the incident, with a cordon set up outside the property this afternoon as forensics officers conducted investigations.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: “Officers were called to an address on Altrincham Road at 9:38am. Sadly, a 93-year-old woman was found deceased in the property.

“Police attended and following initial enquiries at the scene, a 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder. She remains in police custody.”

GMP also confirmed that the family of the victim have been informed and being supported by officers with specialist training.

Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim. “

He added: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”

Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk. If you can’t report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.