Police in Liverpool, England, have released a forensic facial reconstruction of an unidentified woman whose body was discovered in Stanley Park, hoping the image will help establish her identity and advance an ongoing murder investigation.
Merseyside Police announced the development on November 13, 2026, after collaborating with Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University.
The woman's body was discovered inside a black bin bag in bushes in the park's walled garden on August 28, 2026.
Investigators subsequently established that the bags had first been sighted on July 13, approximately six weeks before the discovery.
Despite witness appeals, CCTV enquiries and forensic examinations, authorities have been unable to establish the woman's identity.
Investigators believe she was between 60 and 80 years old, approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, and of slight build.
She was found wearing a pink Nike T-shirt.
Forensic examinations established a DNA profile, but police reported that it did not match any profile in the national DNA database.
Dental comparisons were also unavailable because the woman had no teeth.
Investigators additionally established that she had osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis affecting her hands.
She was malnourished, although authorities have not determined whether this was associated with her age or possible neglect.
To support identification efforts, police approached Face Lab, a research group specializing in craniofacial analysis, facial depiction and forensic art.
The laboratory used its three-dimensional computerized facial reconstruction system to produce an approximation of the woman's appearance.
According to Face Lab director Professor Caroline Wilkinson, the depiction was developed using anatomical and anthropometrical standards before being completed through digital image editing.
Forensic facial reconstruction aims to produce a recognizable representation of an unidentified individual based on available anatomical and other information.
However, such depictions are approximations rather than verified photographs.
Some facial features cannot be reconstructed with certainty, and the resulting image should not be treated as proof of identity.
The primary purpose is to encourage recognition and generate investigative leads that can be independently examined.
In this case, the reconstruction supplements other information, including the woman's clothing, physical description and known medical conditions.
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said investigators hoped the image would help someone recognize the woman and provide information about her identity.
Police have appealed to anyone who may have seen her before July 13 or who possesses relevant information about the case.
The investigation remains active, and no identification has been announced.
The case demonstrates the potential role of forensic facial depiction when conventional identification methods, including DNA database searches and dental comparisons, have not produced an answer.
It also highlights an important limitation: facial reconstruction can support public recognition, but any proposed identity requires independent corroboration.
Merseyside Police has asked people with information to contact the force on 101, quoting reference 26000706383, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously.