THE results of forensic tests could trap the killer of teenager Carly Bateman, detectives have revealed.

The investigation team will find out soon if DNA samples taken from the scene of the crime will lead them to the murderer.

Evidence from where the 17-year-old's body was found dumped near Crawford Avenue, the Haulgh, has been sent to laboratories and detectives are now awaiting the results.

Any DNA samples found will be checked for matches on a national register.

Det Chief Insp Tony Cook, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a very important part of the inquiry.

"There was a forensic examination of the scene and we hope it will give us a clue as to the identity of the killer."

Carly's naked body was discovered in the early hours of Sunday, November 11. She had been strangled.

DCI Cook said the investigation was going very well and they were currently calling at the homes of men known to use the red light area of Bolton.

He said police were looking back through months of data to trace men who had been caught with prostitutes in Shiffnall Street and he was keeping an open mind as to whether the killer was a local man, because punters often came from outside the town.

DCI Cook added: "It is in their best interests to seek us out rather than us seek them out. We are giving them the chance to come forward and if they decide not to, they should be fearing the next knock at their door."

Carly's mother, Vanessa Stirling, appealed at a press conference yesterday for information which will lead to the arrest of the killer.

Her father, Alan Bateman, pulled out at the last minute because he was too upset to face the media.

Mrs Stirling, who has remarried and lives in Doncaster, said: "The whole family is devastated by what has happened.

"She was a loving and generous child. Her brother and sister have been left shocked. They are in a terrible state."

She added: "If somebody knows something they shouldn't shield the person responsible."

Carly's father Alan, aged 44, Little Lever, split with Mrs Stirling some years ago. Carly had a sister, Leanne, aged 21, and a 27-year-old brother Simon.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0161 856 5961.

Click HERE for background reports on the hunt for the killer of the teenage drug addict