SPECULATION is mounting that a serial killer is on the loose following the discovery of a woman's body near a lay-by on the edge of Chorley moorland.

Angela Heys was brutally murdered and dumped behind a wall in Belmont. She had been subjected to a violent sex attack and strangled.

Though detectives have not as yet linked the murder to other women across the country, they are liaising with colleagues from forces throughout Britain because the killings have striking similarities.

Part-time prostitute Angela, aged 33, from Bolton, was found semi-naked by a passing cyclist between the A666 and Stones Bank Road.

Det Supt John Waterworth, the man leading the hunt for the killer, said: "We are not looking for a serial killer at this stage, although we will continue to monitor what is happening elsewhere and apply evidence to this case when it becomes available."

In December, the body of raped and murdered French hitchhiker Celine Figard was found dumped in a lay-by near Worcester.

More locally, back in August 1994, Julie Finley, aged 23, was found in a field just off the Rainford by-pass near Skelmersdale. She had been strangled.

Detectives now want to piece together Angela's movements in the days leading up to her violent death.

A police spokesman said: "We are appealing for anybody with information regarding Angela Heys' movements during the past two weeks."

Investigating the prostitution connection, detectives want to hear from any of her past clients and also courting couples who have recently used the lay-by where she was found.

A good deal of forensic evidence discovered at the scene is currently being analysed.

Angela was the mother of a 16-year-old girl. She would have been 34 on January 23.

The murder inquiry has passed from Lancashire Police to the Greater Manchester force. Anyone with information can ring the murder HQ on 0161-856 5962.

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