A NEW appeal for information has been made to trace the identity of a woman whose body was found in a Leigh canal.

Her body was discovered in the Bridgewater Canal last Wednesday morning near Mather Lane Bridge in Leigh.

It is possible she had been in the water overnight..

A handbag, believed to belong to the woman, was found nearby which contained a handwritten letter written to an employer called Kev and mentioned an employee Sue.

The letter was signed by either Owen or Olwen.

Police are not treating the death as suspicious but are anxious to find out who the woman is.

She is described as white, 5ft 5ins, of slim-medium build, aged between 30 and 50 years with brown shoulder length hair.

The woman was wearing a three-quarter-length black wool-mix coat with a button fastening, a pink vest top and black skirt. She was also wearing a number of gold rings, neck chains and earrings. It is believed she was a smoker.

Anyone who has information about the identity of the woman is asked to contact Leigh Police Station on 0161 856 7253.