A man and a woman have been charged in connection with the 'suspicious' death of a mother who was found dead in Rochdale this week.

At around 4.30am on Monday (July 17), officers were called to a concern for the welfare of a woman on New Barn Lane in Rochdale.

When Greater Manchester Police arrived, a woman's body was found at the scene.

The victim was later identified as a 40-year-old mother-of-two, Kerry Newman.

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The force said it is now investigating the circumstances leading up to Kerry's death and have declared it as 'suspicious'.

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

Now, a 48-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman have been charged with perverting the course of justice in connection with Kerry's death.

Robert Halliwell of Olney, Freehold, and Melanie Bullen of Shirburn, Freehold, will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today (July 21).

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

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 here.

Alternatively, the Major Incident Team can be contacted on 0161 856 4338 or a report can be made on the GMP website.

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

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