Lindsay Birbeck: Murder probe after body found in cemetery is believed to be missing mother

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman's body found in a cemetery is believed to be that of a missing teaching assistant.

Mother-of-two Lindsay Birbeck, 47, was last seen walking in Accrington, Lancashire on 12 August, with her family describing her disappearance as "completely out of character".

Lancashire Police said officers were called to Accrington Cemetery on Saturday evening after a member of the public found the body.

Detective Inspector Andy Cribbin said: "Whilst we're yet to formally identify the body, we believe as this stage that it is Lindsay and we have informed the family of all the developments and family liaison officers are with them."

On Friday, police had issued an appeal to walkers and dash cam owners in a bid to identify a potential witness.

Forensic experts were called to conduct a detailed examination of the scene.

A Home Office post-mortem will now be carried out to try to establish the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: "At this stage we do not know how Lindsay's body came to be in the cemetery, or how long it has been there so I would also like to speak to anyone who has seen anything suspicious in or around the cemetery area after August 12th or anyone who has any drone footage or dashcam footage which could assist.

"Please come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it is as it could provide the key we need to finding Lindsay's killer and providing those answers for her family."

Police have urged anyone with information to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.