AN INVESTIGATION was under way last night after the body of a woman was found in a lake next to a popular promenade in west Wirral.

The body was found in the lake just opposite Hilbre Court in West Kirby at 10.55am yesterday morning.

Officers closed off a section of the popular seaside walkway South Parade to motorists and pedestrians for more than two hours while forensic officers examined the scene and the body was later removed.

According to police the woman is described as white, of heavy build, believed to be in her late 50s early 60s, with blue eyes and chin length grey/blonde hair.

She was wearing black Reebok jogging pants, a black flowery top, a thin red cardigan. A pair of black leather shoes were found nearby which could have possibly belonged to the woman.

David Henshaw from the West Kirby lifeboat station – which is located almost opposite the spot where the body was found – said they had been called in to assist police after the body was discovered.

Mr Henshaw said: “They had already removed the body from the lake when we got there, and we then searched for any other persons or bodies or property which might give some clue as to the identity of the person found.”

Merseyside Police are urging anyone who may have information regarding the identity of the woman to contact them on 0151 777 2262 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.