Investigation launched after woman's death

Penn Street at the rear of the Wheatsheaf Centre

Greater Manchester Police is investigating following the death of Tracey Shelvey.

Tracy was recently staying in a guest house on Oldham Road, Rochdale. Other residents are shocked, though they knew of her troubles.

Tracy, 41, from Heywood, was described as a lovely person, a guest house resident said: “She was a laugh and was a lovely person. She would always put other people first and obviously she had her problems but she was a nice woman.”

At about 10.10am on Monday 3 February 2014, police were called to the Wheatsheaf car park on Penn Street, Rochdale, following reports of a woman on the roof.

Officers attended to try and resolve the incident, however the woman was later seen to fall.

She was taken to hospital but sadly died as a result of her injuries.

An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

Tracy was a complainant in a court case which concluded on Friday 31 January 2014 when the defendant, who was accused of rape, was acquitted.

That evening, two specially-trained officers from Greater Manchester Police who had been providing regular support and advice to Tracy since she made the complaint made a personal visit to her home to inform her of the verdict.

She appeared angry and upset at the news and she was offered support by the officers. A referral was made to partner agencies who have previously provided support.

Later that evening, Tracy called Greater Manchester Police in a distressed state and again officers, along with ambulance staff, made a personal visit to her home to speak to her. She was in a much calmer state when the officers attended, who again gave her advice and made a further referral to partner agencies helping to support her.

Greater Manchester Police has now referred this matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and a full investigation will be launched to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.

Assistant Chief Constable Dawn Copley said: "I would firstly like to offer my condolences to the family of the woman who has sadly died. Our thoughts are with the family at what is clearly a traumatic time for them and we will be offering them as much support and welfare as they need over the coming days and weeks.

"The woman had been a complainant in a case that recently concluded at court, and throughout that process specially-trained officers from Greater Manchester Police had been providing her with regular support and advice.

"This is a terribly sad end to what has been a long and difficult case.

"A full investigation will be carried out to establish the circumstances leading up to this woman's death and it is important, especially for the woman's family, that we do not speculate about what may have happened until all the facts are known."

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/85200/woman-who-jumped-from-wheatsheaf-roof-has-died

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/85175/woman-jumps-from-wheatsheaf-centre-roof