POLICE have revealed. a 21-year-old office clerk from Greater Manchester was stabbed repeatedly in the back as she lay dying from massive head injuries.

Detectives released further information about the murder of Lucy Royle, two weeks after her body was found on isolated scrubland close to the Trafford Centre in Manchester.

Lucy - the youngest of five daughters - was last seen leaving her home less than a mile away in Jura Drive, Davyhulme, on Good Friday. A man walking his dog discovered her body the next morning.

Police said they were disappointed at the poor response to their appeals.

Detective Superintendent Peter Minshall, who is leading the inquiry, said: "I believe that there are people out there who can help us find Lucy's killer, but haven't come forward yet for some reason.

"This was an horrific attack on a defenceless young woman who suffered appalling injuries. Lucy was viciously attacked and suffered horrendous head injuries. Then, as she was lying fatally wounded, she was repeatedly stabbed in the back.

"This was a cowardly, brutal and senseless crime, and the person who committed it should not be walking the streets. I would ask anyone who has any information, no matter how unimportant they think it is, to come forward. We need the public's help in tracking down this killer who has taken away the life of a bright and popular girl, and left her family devastated."

Lucy lived with her parents Roger, 59, and Lesley, 51. The couple's other daughters are Justine, 33, Tara, 30, Niessa, 28, and 24-year-old Aimee.

A search of the area where Lucy was found has failed to recover the murder weapon. Her mobile phone and handbag are also missing.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested and released on police bail pending further inquiries.