A body has been found in the search for a woman who vanished 10 days ago, as police confirmed a 61-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Hungarian-born Mariann, 55, had last been seen in Chorley Old Road, Bolton, on December 14, at around 9.30am, prompting ‘extensive searches’ within her local community.

Police appeals for her whereabouts stated that she spoke ‘very little’ English and was wearing a mid-length cream coat with a furry hood at the time of her disappearance.

On Monday, police confirmed they had found the body of a woman matching her description, though formal identification is yet to take place. 

They added that initial enquiries suggest there are suspicious circumstances around the death.

A 61-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.

Mariann’s family have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, from Bolton district, said: ‘This is a tragic development to our extensive search for Mariann, which we desperately hoped would not be the case so close to Christmas. 

‘Our thoughts are with her family at this distressing time.

‘We are now continuing to work hard to establish the full circumstances in order to bring answers and seek justice for this woman as our enquiries develop.

‘We would like to thank members of the local Bolton community who have spoken to our officers and tried to help us with our search since last week, which included sharing our appeals.’