Tributes paid to 'bright and beautiful' teenager

Catherine Blackhurst was found at an address on Whalley Close in Ashton-under-Lyne on Sunday, a day after she was reported missing

The family of a 17-year-old girl whose death prompted a murder investigation have described her as "a bright, beautiful young woman" who will be "cherished forever".

Catherine Blackhurst was found at an address on Whalley Close in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, at about 09:00 BST on Sunday - the day after she was reported missing.

Her cause of death has not yet been ascertained following a post-mortem examination.

A 55-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed pending further inquiries, said a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokesperson.

'Funny and smart'

In their statement, the teenager's family said: "Cat was a bright, beautiful young woman with an infectious enthusiasm for life.

"She left an instant, lasting impression and anyone she met instantly fell in love with her larger-than-life personality.

"Her siblings loved her endlessly, they enjoyed special individual memories with her that will be cherished forever.

"She was so funny and smart.

"She accepted people for who they were with no judgment, and was never afraid to be herself."

The family tribute continued: "Cat was an intelligent young lady, so full of life and [had] a can-do attitude to where she wanted to go in life, with the drive to achieve anything.

"She did so much in a short life, from gymnastics to chess tournaments. Her apprenticeship in communications meant the world to her and she was a huge support to other children in care on social platforms.

"She had a love for her family and friends with a personality that everyone she met loved.

"As a family, we are immeasurably saddened with her passing and have so many special memories that will be cherished and talked about forever."

They added: "We ask that our privacy is respected as we begin to process Cat's passing and grieve as a family."

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area of Whalley Close on Saturday evening and in the early hours of Sunday to call 0161 856 9307, quoting log number 802 of 21/09/2025.

Anyone with information can also visit gmp.police.uk or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.