Grasmere village and the lake

Police are appealing for any walkers who may have seen a woman whose body was found in a lake to contact them as they investigate the circumstances of her death.

She was named today as Alison Boyce, 56, from Hornsey Lane, London. A search by members of the Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team and colleagues from Kenal along the river and banks led to items being recovered that enabled her identification.

Ms Boyce’s body was found on Monday washed up on the island in the middle of Grasmere lake.

Police say she may have been walking from her guest house on Easedale Road in Grasmere along the popular Butharlyp Howe path before falling into the River Rothay.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Constabulary said: “Police are now working to identify the circumstances surrounding her death and her last movements.

“She had checked in to a guest house on Easedale Road in Grasmere on 7 February and a rail ticket in her possession suggests she travelled to Cumbria from Euston station, London earlier that day.

“It is believed she may have walked from the guest house along the Butharlyp Howe path which is a popular local walking route and police are urging anyone who thinks they may have seen her to get in touch.”

Ms Boyce was 5ft 5in to 5ft 6in (1.65m to 1.68m) tall, white with a pale complexion, with short light brown slightly curly hair.

She was wearing black Ecco walking boots, white socks, dark blue Liz Claiborne designer jeans, a white vest top, a black padded Umbro jacket with white Umbro logo on the chest and carrying a bag.

She had a silver coloured ring that from the side looks like two on her right finger, a silver coloured rope bracelet on her right arm and a Bench watch with a purple rectangular face and leather strap on her left arm.

The spokesperson continued: “If you were in the area that day and think you may have seen her, or someone matching her description, please call South Cumbria CID on 0845 3300247.”