DETECTIVES investigating the suspected murder of a missing 24-year-old woman have been making inquiries in a County Durham village.

Officers have been speaking to residents in Willington, near Crook, regarding the disappearance of Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin.

She is from Ashton-under-Lyne and was reported missing in early February, although she has not been seen since January.

A missing persons investigation was subsequently launched by Great Manchester Police.

Officers believe she travelled to the Willington area and officers have been making inquiries in the Oak Avenue area of the former pit village.

The Northern Echo: Officers are making inquiries in Willington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTTOfficers are making inquiries in Willington. Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT

A 59-year-old man, from Willington, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was bailed on Wednesday evening.

Senior Investigating Officer, DCI Andrew Naismith, said: "Although Alisha has not yet been located, following a number of enquiries we do believe that she has come to serious harm.

"However, the investigation is still ongoing and we are not in a position to confirm any further details at this stage.

“We believe Alisha travelled to County Durham and we have officers in that today conducting further enquiries.

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"I would urge anyone with information, or anyone who may have seen Alisha or who may have CCTV/dashcam footage since she went missing in January, to please contact police, as the smallest bit of information may help us to piece together what has happened to Alisha.

"Alisha's next of kin has been informed of the update."

The Northern Echo: Alisha Apostoloff-Boyarin. Picture: GREATER MANCHESTER POLICEAlisha Apostoloff-Boyarin. Picture: GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE

Anyone with information can send information through the online portal mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22G11-PO1, by calling the major incident team on 0161-856-6777, or by using our LiveChat service on our website, www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 280 of 25/09/202.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

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