“She was a beautiful character and a clever little thing”
Catherine would’ve celebrated her 18th birthday just two days after she died at a property in Ashton-under-Lyne(Image: GMP)
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to a teenage girl who was tragically found dead after going missing in Tameside.
An investigation was launched following the death of Catherine Blackhurst, who had been reported as missing from Ashton-under-Lyne in the early hours of Saturday (September 20).
Enquiries led police to a property on Whalley Close at around 9am the following day, where Catherine died at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services. She has since been formally identified following a Home Office post mortem.
A man, aged 55, who was previously arrested on suspicion of murder has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
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Greater Manchester Police said investigators are ‘keeping an open mind’ and are ‘following several lines of enquiry’ while work continues to establish her cause of death. Witnesses and anyone with information are being urged to come forward.
In heartbreaking tributes online, Catherine, who would’ve celebrated her 18th birthday on Tuesday (September 23) was remembered as a ‘beautiful character’ and ‘talented’.
Heartbreaking tributes have been paid to Catherine after her tragic death(Image: Submit)
“This makes me feel sick. Cat was a beautiful girl turning 18 today so clever and talented and didn’t deserve the cards she was dealt! R.I.P baby girl! Forever 17,” one tribute read.
Another person posted: “Such tragic news. 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.”
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As a third person penned: “I love you girl fly high you beautiful angel I will always carry you with me.”
Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, of Greater Manchester Police, 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.
Police outside a property where Catherine tragically died(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
“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.”