Shock and sadness at young woman's death

Residents expressed horror and sadness after police found the young woman dead at Orrell Water Park in the early hours of Saturday morning.

There was also an outpouring of emotion on social media with dozens of messages being left on Facebook.

People spoke of being shocked by what had happened at the quiet, secluded spot and offered messages of support and sympathy to the woman’s grieving family and friends.

One walker at the Orrell park on Saturday morning, who asked not to be identified, said: “It’s terrible, tragic, horrific.

“I walk here most days and I just can’t believe it. It’s not something you expect to happen.

“My heart goes out to her parents, I’m getting upset just thinking about it.”

Another visitor to Orrell Water Park said: “It’s absolutely shocking. I really feel for the young lady’s family.

"This is generally a place where everybody feels safe. It’s just tragic.”

Scores of messages were also left on Wigan Today’s Facebook page.

Christine Mulvaney wrote: “Absolutely awful! Heart goes out to the family and friends they really need to catch whose done this if anyone suspects someone they know let the police know sooner rather than later then they can get the evidence.”

Gaynor Whalley wrote: “So so sad. As a mother of a teenage daughter I can’t begin to understand what her family are going through. Sending my deepest sympathy to all her family.”

Sharon Howarth said; “I was up watching the helicopter fly round till 2.30 this morning so so sad. Rest in Peace young lady.”

Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue also offered her condolences and urged people with information to contact the police.

Ms Fovargue said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young woman.

“Anyone who has got information should be encouraged to tell the police.

“People do need to remember this is thankfully a rare event, but it’s a dreadful thing which has happened."

Orrell ward representative Coun David Arrowsmith said: "It is quite sickening that this young lady has lost her life in such tragic circumstances.

"I would urge anybody who knows anything to contact the police as soon as they can.

"There are a lot of people here who cannot believe what's gone on. It is a busy park which a lot of people use and they can't come to terms with what has happened.

"I hope this is just a one-off but people should be vigilant.

"Our thoughts are with her family and friends."

Wigan Council leader of the opposition Coun Michael Winstanley, who also represents Orrell ward, spoke about the shocking incident as well.

Coun Winstanley said: "This is a terrible event to happen and has come as a great shock to the community of Orrell. I can't even contemplate how the family and friends of the victim are feeling at this moment in time. My thoughts and prayers are with them all at this tragic time for them."It is important that the police are allowed to get on with their job of identifying the perpetrator of this evil crime. I would encourage anyone who has any information no matter how insignificant they think it is to get in touch with the police immediately."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has stepped up patrols around the water park to reassure the community.