NI link probe in hospital murder

The attack happened at Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale

A man has appeared in court in Rochdale charged with the murder of a fellow patient believed to be from NI.

Rosalind Kim McManus, 58, an in-patient on the open psychiatric ward at Birch Hill Hospital in the town, died after being found collapsed on Monday.

Telahum Tedola, 36, appeared before Rochdale Magistrates on Wednesday where he was remanded in custody.

A post-mortem concluded that Ms McManus died from strangulation. No relatives can currently be traced.

Family appeal

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Lever of Greater Manchester Police said: "This is a tragic case in that Rosalind appears to have no immediate relatives currently living in this country.

"She has been identified by staff at the hospital, but we still want to contact any next of kin."

While it is believed she may be from in Northern Ireland, nothing more is known about her background at this stage.