Police rule out murder after death of woman
A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder has been released after detectives ruled there were no suspicious circumstances in the death of a young woman.
Natalie Brown, 27, was found collapsed at her home on Saturday night. The man arrested was questioned overnight.
But friends of the family say that Natalie, who had been diagnosed with epilepsy, had a history of illness and that the arrest was a tragic misunderstanding.
Police have now released the 35-year-old man without charge after post-mortem tests ruled out any foul play.
A murder probe was launched on Saturday after police were called to Thomas Street in Hindley Green at 8.20pm by paramedics following the sudden death of Natalie, who is understood to have suffered from fits linked to epilepsy for a number of years.
Yesterday afternoon, as police officers in forensic suits could be seen at the home opposite Hindley Green Primary School, neighbours described their disbelief at Natalie’s death.
She is part of a well-known family in the community. Her dad, Andy Brown, runs mechanics Griffin Recovery and used to be the landlord at the nearby Swan pub.
Neighbour Coun Bob Brierley said the community was in shock.
He added: “They are a fantastic family. Natalie’s dad, Andy, services my car and he is a smashing bloke. “It’s a tragedy what’s happened.” Fellow neighbour Abbey Murray added: “They are a lovely family.
“I know them to say hello to and they’re always really nice. This is a lovely, quiet street and it’s real shock to hear what happened.”
One neighbour, who said he knew the family well, said it was thought Natalie had died after suffering from a seizure at her home.
Speaking last night, Det Chief Insp Clare Devlin, from GMP’s Wigan borough, said police were satisfied no crime had been committed.
She said: “We are no longer treating the tragic death of this woman as murder.
“We have released a 35-year-old man without charge.”