A man accused of murdering a "greatly loved" woman in Bury has appeared in court.

Susanne Galvin died in hospital aged 55 on Monday after an attack on Pear Avenue on Saturday.

Two people were arrested and Stephen Ball, 31, of Pear Avenue, was charged with murder and remanded into custody.

A 41-year-old woman was released from custody on Tuesday on police bail.

This morning, Friday, Ball appeared at Manchester Crown Court via a video link from HMP Forest Bank to confirm his name and the murder charge.

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He wore a grey long sleeve jumper and only spoke to confirm his name and to agree with the next steps involved.

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Judge Alan Conrad QC set a date for November 13 for Ball, of Pear Avenue, Bury, to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date of March 11 has been set pending Ball’s plea.

Following Susanne’s death on Monday, her family paid tribute to her saying: "Susanne was greatly loved by her parents and family and will be sadly missed.

“As a family, we respectfully ask to be allowed privacy during this difficult time."

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Flowers were left outside of her house and neighbours spoke of their shock and sadness of her death.

Bury Times: A police cordon on Pear Avenue in BuryA police cordon on Pear Avenue in Bury (Image: Newsquest)

In a police appeal this week, DCI Mark Davis said: "The thoughts of the investigation team remain with the family at this incredibly difficult time.

“They are being supported by specialist officers and we have also deployed police officers to the area to provide support and reassurances to the local community who were understandably shocked and saddened by this incident.

"I would like to reiterate our appeal for any information in relation to the murder of Susanne.

"We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have relevant information or who may have seen anything. 

"Lines of enquiry have led us to believe that the person or persons responsible were on foot on Saturday, September 16 between the hours of 6pm and 9.30pm, and may have been in the area of Pear Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Walnut Avenue,  Thompson Drive, Topping Fold Road and Hewart Drive, Bury.

"If you have any information, no matter how small, I would urge you to share it with police as it may be invaluable to this investigation.”

Greater Manchester Police's Major Incident Team can be contacted on 0161 856 6777 or information can be submitted at its dedicated portal, https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23N13-PO1.

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