Plea for leads in vice girl murder

Vicky Glass, who worked as a prostitute in Middlesbrough to feed her drug craving, was found dead at the weekend.

Her naked body was discovered lying near a quiet lane on the North Yorkshire Moors by a man walking his dog. She was identified by her fingerprints.

Police believe Ms Glass may have been murdered soon after she was last seen alive six weeks ago, leaving a house in Princes Road, Middlesbrough, with an unknown man.

Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn, who is heading the hunt for the killer said: "Someone knows who is responsible for her death, or has information which could prove vital to our inquiry.

"We need to speak to anyone who knew her, especially clients and girls who worked with her."

He said detectives were "disappointed'' after receiving only a handful of calls in response to a public appeal for help.

He said people should not be frightened to come forward. Police would talk to them in confidence.

He said: "We are dealing with the murder of a young woman whose body was callously dumped miles from where she lived. No one should be hiding things in an inquiry like this.

"Her friends, acquaintances and clients should get in touch and ring the incident room on (01642) 301283, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.''

Ms Glass's remains were discovered lying close to secluded West Lane on the approach to the moorland village of Danby, near Whitby. Forensic tests are still being carried out to discover how she died.

Her killer may have parked his car on a strip of hard standing at the side of the road.

Police want to hear from anyone witnessing unusual activity in that area in the week following her disappearance on September 24.

Forty detectives have been assigned to the murder hunt, making inquiries on Teesside and in North Yorkshire.

Police have not ruled out a link with the murder of another Middlesbrough prostitute, Kellie Mallinson. A 30-year-old man from South Bank, Middlesbrough, has appeared in court charged with her murder