POLICE are making a last-ditch attempt to identify a woman found dead in a Dales stream more than two-and-half years ago.

This week coroner Geoff Fell returned an open verdict into the death of the unnamed female, who was believed to be Oriental, possibly Thai.

The hearing was told that, despite extensive police inquiries, her identity remained a mystery and a post-mortem examination was unable to determine a cause of death. However it did reveal her right hand was broken, possibly caused by a punch.

Mr Fell said "We must continue to be hopeful that she can be identified. Meanwhile samples of her DNA will be kept in case somebody does come forward."

Police will now look into funeral arrangements.

Walkers found the body lying in a stream off the Pennine Way, three miles outside Horton-in-Ribblesdale, on September 20, 2004.

In the bid to identify the woman, an anthropologist was brought in to study her ethnicity, an odontologist to examine her teeth, an entomologist to help with the date of her death and an expert scrutinised her jewellery.

The nearby Sell Pot cave system was also investigated on four occasions, including areas only reachable by potholers.

There were house-to-house inquiries in the area and appeal letters were sent out.

Detective Inspector Pete Martin from Skipton CID said this week: "Our efforts to put a name to this poor woman have spanned the world and will continue.

"But this could be our last chance to appeal for help in identifying her.

"Someone must know who this woman is and I believe there will be someone who knows she is missing. All they have to do is call us.

"We owe it to her to find her name and notify her family. She must have family, friends, perhaps a partner - maybe even a child - and we need to find them.

"She has a name and an identity and I need someone to come forward and restore them to this unfortunate lady."

The woman was aged between 25 and 35, was 4ft 11ins tall and weighed 10 stone. She had dark shoulder-length hair and when she was found was wearing green Marks and Spencer jeans, turquoise and white T-shirt, socks, bra and pants.

No footwear, jacket or baggage were found at the scene. The woman wore a gold ring on her wedding finger, which was manufactured in Thailand. Both ears were pierced but she did not wear earrings.

It is believed she was a non-smoker, right-handed, had been pregnant in the past and her growth had been stinted by a childhood disease such as measles.

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 6060 247.