Mother-of-two found dead in cemetery was ‘STRANGLED’: Murder probe is launched after post-mortem shows teaching assistant, 46, was killed

• Body of Lindsay Birbeck, 47, was found on Saturday in Accrington Cemetery
• Discovery brought tragic end to huge search for mother-of-two in Lancashire
• Investigators say evidence at scene led them to believe she may have been killed
• Husband Tim, 49, is a council chairman and they have Sarah, 16, and Stephen, 19

The body of mother-of-two Lindsay Birbeck, 47, was found in a cemetery on Saturday

Police were today investigating whether a teaching assistant who went missing for a fortnight was murdered after tests revealed she died from being strangled.

The body of Lindsay Birbeck, 47, was found on Saturday in a cemetery on the outskirts of Accrington, Lancashire.

The discovery brought to a tragic end a huge search for the mother-of-two who disappearance was described as ‘completely out of character’.

Investigators said evidence found at the scene led them to believe Mrs Birbeck may have been killed. A post mortem examination found she died as a result of compression of the neck. 

Police said yesterday that a body had been found, before officially confirming this afternoon that it was that of Mrs Birbeck. No arrests have been made.  

Her husband Tim, 49, is chairman of nearby Hapton Parish Council, and their daughter Sarah, 16, collected her GCSE results last week. The couple also share a son, Stephen, 19. The family were too upset to speak yesterday.

Mrs Birbeck was last seen on CCTV at 4.10pm on August 12. In the footage, 5ft 11ins Mrs Birbeck was wearing a purple bubble jacket, black leggings and dark trainers with white soles

Detective Superintendent Andy Cribbin said: ‘This is a fast moving inquiry and I have a team of detectives and staff working around the clock to try and find out what has happened to Lindsay and to identify who has killed her.

‘I would like to thank the community for their response to our appeals so far and to continue to urge anyone who has any information which could assist us to come forward. 

Mrs Birbeck was last seen on CCTV at 4.10pm on Monday, August 12.

In the footage, 5ft 11ins Mrs Birbeck, who has shoulder-length dark hair, was wearing a purple bubble jacket, black leggings and dark trainers with white soles.

Lancashire Police said Mrs Birbeck’s body was found at Accrington Cemetery on Saturday

Her body was found in Accrington Cemetery, between the village of Huncoat and the town centre.

More than 19,000 people had joined a Facebook group to assist emergency services with the search.

Police extended the search as far as a rural quarry but discouraged the public from arranging their own search groups due to the ‘dangerous terrain’.

The discovery came a day after police issued an appeal to walkers and dash cam owners in a bid to identify a potential witness.

Her body was found in Accrington Cemetery, between the village of Huncoat and Accrington

Three days ago, one of Mrs Birbeck’s heartbroken friends, Sharon Griffiths, wrote a heartbreaking appeal on social media.

Three days ago, one of Mrs Birbeck’s heartbroken friends, Sharon Griffiths, wrote a heartbreaking appeal on social media

In an emotional post to her friend of 26 years, she said: ‘You have created so many fun filled happy memories which I have reminisced over and over again since you went away on Monday August 12th.

‘I still can’t understand why my beautiful friend is not here making me laugh and cry like you did every time we were together or messaging via WhatsApp.

‘I hope this message reaches you Lindsay as I really need you to come home now.

‘We all need some time out now and again but I am now missing our daily chats which would make anyone’s hair curl and missing seeing your beautiful smile every time you laugh.’

‘You light up the room where ever you go and at the moment my room has gone dim.

‘Please, please, please Lindsay come home or at least get in contact to let someone know you are OK.’ 

Mr Cribbin urged members of the public who may have witnessed Mrs Birbeck’s last movements, or people who have CCTV cameras in the area she was last seen and may have footage, to contact them Police said a ‘lengthy and detailed examination (of the cemetery) was carried out by forensic experts.

A special remembrance walk will take place in memory of Mrs Birbeck on Thursday.

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