‘The Lady in the Thames’ image released on 45th anniversary of death

A new image of a woman who was found dead on stairs leading to the Thames in 1977 has been created in a fresh appeal for information.

The woman was never identified and became known as ‘The Lady of the Thames’ when she was found at the bottom of the stairs leading to the south bank of the Thames by Vauxhall Bridge.

Missing persons charity Locate International and forensic artist Hew Morrison have released an image of the woman on the 45th anniversary of the discovery.

Mr Morrison was able to create an artist’s impression from photographs taken at the scene.

The charity hopes that the image will trigger memories for anyone living and working in London during that decade who may have known her.

An autopsy estimated her to be between 30 and 35 years old when her body was recovered, and she was 5’6” tall, with brown eyes and short brown hair.

She was also smartly dressed, found wearing black trousers, a blue overcoat, black shoes and a red and white striped blouse.

The charity is releasing the image to try and jog the memories of people who worked or lived in the area during the 1970s, particularly around 1977 – the year of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, and the death of Elvis Presley.

Dave Grimstead, chief executive and co-founder of Locate International, said: “The Lady in the Thames died 45 years ago and her name is key to finding out what happened to her.

“Many people remember where they were when they heard of Elvis Presley’s death, or what they were doing for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, so we are hoping that this image, set within the context of that culturally significant year, will jog someone’s memory.

“Even if your information feels insignificant, it could be the key to solving this incredibly sad case.

“We are very grateful to Hew Morrison for his work on the image, which could provide a vital visual prompt for people who may have known this lady.

“This is someone’s daughter. We must keep applying the forensic techniques of the present to the cases of the past. The dedication of Hew and other forensic experts are helping us return the name people had in life and find justice where it is needed.”

If you recognise the woman in the image, and have any information about her, you can contact Locate International through their website.

Pictured top: ‘The Lady of the Thames’ (Picture: Located Internatinal/Hew Morrison)