Pair charged in connection with the death of 40-year-old 'loving mother' Kerry

Kerry Newman

Two people have been charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with the death of Kerry Newman in Rochdale.

Officers were called to a concern for welfare of a woman on New Barn Lane, close to Sandbrook Park, on Monday (July 17) at around 4:30am.

Sadly, the body of a woman, later identified as Kerry Newman (40), was found at the scene.

GMP's Major Incident Team is investigating the circumstances leading up to Kerry's death and have declared it suspicious as enquiries continue.

Enquiries confirm that Kerry was taken from an address in Freehold to New Barn Lane.

Robert Halliwell (aged 48), of Olney, Freehold, Rochdale, and Melanie Bullen (52) of Shirburn, Freehold, Rochdale, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today (Friday).

Kerry’s mother and stepfather described her as 'a loving daughter and mother of two boys, taken away from us too soon' in a tribute earlier this week.

The family has requested privacy at this sad and difficult time.

Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Smith said: "We are continuing to appeal to anyone with information relating to this incident to please come forward so we can determine what happened to Kerry and give her family the answers they deserve.

"This includes any witnesses, anyone with knowledge of the incident, or CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage in relation to this incident."

A dedicated Major Incident Public Portal has been opened for information - images and mobile phone, dashcam or doorbell footage can be submitted via the link here

Alternatively, the Major Incident Team can be contacted on 0161 856 4338 or a report can be made on the GMP website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk

The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.