Policeman in court on murder charge

Claire Howarth

A policeman is due in court charged with murdering his police constable fiancee.

Claire Howarth, 31, who worked for Greater Manchester Police in Rochdale, was in a BMW which crashed on Thursday on Tottington Road in Harwood.

Police are investigating whether the officer, who had head injuries, was attacked before the accident.

The arrested officer, Martin Forshaw, 26, serves with Cheshire Police.

A police spokesperson said: "The woman was a serving GMP officer who worked in the Rochdale area.

"Formal identification and a post-mortem examination are yet to take place.

"An investigation has been launched to establish how the victim sustained her injuries."

Floral tributes have been left tied to the railings of the house.

Greater Manchester Police paid tribute to Miss Howarth, who had just become a constable after two years as a student officer.

Chief Supt John O'Hare said: "Claire was a promising officer. She wanted to do the job properly and make a difference”.

“She will be missed by the police, the public, but most importantly, her family”.