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CCTV hunt in prostitute murder investigation
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a South Yorkshire prostitute are trawling through hours of CCTV footage looking for clues to help catch her killer.
Mum-of-two Claire Laggan was found dead from head injuries just over a week ago on January 13 - her body hidden in woodland in the Lady's Valley area within Denaby Crags, near Doncaster.
The 25-year-old was addicted to drugs and had turned to prostitution to feed her habit but was "trying to turn her life around", according to her family.
Today Det Supt Bob Yates said they had recovered a "significant quantity" of CCTV footage.
He said: "It is footage from in and around Consibrough, Denaby and Mexborough involving commercial and business premises, but also public transport systems.
"We are commencing the process of reviewing that material, but it is a significant task and it will take some time to work through."
CCTV footage was crucial in catching killer Ronald Beardmore, who was eventually convicted of murdering 19-year-old Rebecca Stephenson - a prostitute he had picked up in Doncaster's red light district in June 2005.
Det Supt Yates appealed for anyone who had seen anything suspicious in the Denaby Crags area between Wednesday January 9 and Sunday January 13 to come forward.
He added: "Did you witness anybody in that locality? They could simply be walking along or acting suspiciously. Or indeed if anybody has a friend, associate, or even relative who during those days came home acting suspiciously, bloodstained, or otherwise displaying any signs of injury, please come forward.
"This is a 25-year-old young lady who had everything to live for and she has been brutally murdered. It is vital that anybody with information comes forward and contacts us. Where appropriate we will treat it in confidence."
Anyone with information - including sightings of Claire herself between December 27 and January 13 - should contact the Maltby incident room on 01709 832694 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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