EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to a “murdered” 17-year-old girl after a man in his 50s was arrested and bailed in connection with her death.
, 17, was reported missing after she was last seen in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Saturday.
Emotional tributes for the 17-year-old have poured in on social media
Catherine was last seen in Ashton-Under-Lyne on Saturday
launched extensive searches to locate her with their leading officers to a block of flats close to her last known location.
Catherine was found at the property on Monday with first responders giving her CPR in a desperate attempt to save her life.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services she was sadly pronounced dead later that day.
A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Catherine’s tragic death and has since been released on bail.
Following a Post Mortem, Catherine’s cause of death remains unclear, cops said.
Her next of kin have been informed of the tragic loss as police continue to appeal for information that could assist their investigation.
Detectives said they are “keeping an open mind” as their probe into the “murder” continues.
Catherine has been remembered by friends as a “beautiful character” in touching social media tributes.
The 17-year-old would have marked her 18th birthday today.
One social media tribute reads: “Such tragic .
The body of a missing seventeen year old girl, was found at a property after detectives search for the missing girl led them to the address
A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has since been released on bail
“I knew her when she was a bit younger and she was a beautiful character and a clever little thing.
“So very sad this has happened to a young girl with her whole life ahead of her.”
Officers said they are following several lines of inquiry as their investigation progresses.
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker said: “Our investigation is progressing and we are working incredibly hard to support Catherine’s friends and family during this tragic time.
“We know today would have been Catherine’s 18th birthday, and getting the answers for Catherine’s loved ones is at the forefront of the investigation team’s minds.
“The arrested man has been bailed pending further investigation as we progress all available lines of enquiry, such as forensics, to ascertain Catherine’s cause of death.
“We are still appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of Whalley Close on the Saturday and early hours of Sunday morning to come forward and assist us in our enquiries.
“Every piece of information, no matter how small it might seem, helps us build a clearer picture in this investigation.
“Anyone who has any information, CCTV, mobile phone or Ring doorbell footage is urged to contact police on 0161 856 9307 quoting the log number 802 of 21/09/2025 or online via gmp.police.uk.
“Information can also be shared with us anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Catherine would have celebrated her 18th birthday today 
