Inquest opens into death of woman, 49, found in pond at Lytham's Lowther Gardens

A woman whose body was found in the pond at Lytham’s Lowther Gardens had earlier been reported missing.

Blackpool-born Sarah Bickerstaffe, 49, matched the description of the missing woman and her car was found close to the Gardens, an inquest opening at Blackpool Town Hall heard.

The discovery of her body on Monday, September 7 by a passer-by was reported to the North West Ambulance Service and the police were alerted, with the Gardens then cordoned off to the public while investigators examined the scene.

Blackpool and Fylde senior coroner Alan Wilson said evidence of alcohol had been found floating in the pond but the results of a toxicology test on Ms Bickerstaffe were awaited.

A pathology rest result and provisional cause of death were not yet available pending the toxicology test results.

Mr Wilson said that in other circumstances, he would await the pathologist’s report before deciding whether or not to hold an inquest, but as in this case, Ms Bickerstaffe’s body was found in a park in a public setting, he was formally opening the inquest.

A date for the inquest will be set later when the toxicology and post mortem results are known.

The discovery of Ms Bickerstaffe’s body sparked a major incident response from the police, with al entrances to Lowther Gardens cordoned off and guarded by officers.

Around 10 staff at the Lowther Pavilion theatre at the heart of the Gardens, including chief executive and artistic director Tim Lince, were confined to the premises until the cordon was lifted at around 11am and the go-ahead given for two concerts later that day, including an evening performance prog rock legend Rick Wakeman.

Lowther Gardens regularly hosts outdoor events through the summer and is one of seven parks awarded Green Flag status in Fylde borough.