THE relatives of two teenage girls who were murdered in an arson attack, last night made a fresh appeal for help in finding the person responsible.

Vikki Preston, of Manchester Road, Kearsley, and her best friend Rhona Schofield, both aged 19, died in a house fire in Salford 18 months ago.

Bolton coroner, Jennifer Leeming, yesterday recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at the end of a three-day inquest. The court heard that no-one has been charged with the murders.

Rhona's mother, Mary Schofield, said: "This verdict proves they were murdered while they slept. It is 88 weeks since it happened and the pain is just as bad now as it was then. I'm confident the person will get caught if someone comes up with a little bit of information that will put the police on the right track."

Mark Preston, Vikki's uncle, added: "We are hopeful that they will continue to pursue this and bring someone to justice."

Chantelle Brown, who was living at the house in King Street, Higher Broughton, where the teenagers were staying, gave evidence at the inquest yesterday.

The court heard the three girls and Miss Brown's boyfriend, Steven Drabble, had an argument on May 9, 2005. Miss Brown asked everyone to leave but they refused. She then went back to her mother's house in Devonshire Street, Higher Broughton, for the night. The fire was started in the early hours of the following day. Miss Brown, who was six months pregnant, was later arrested and questioned by police, but denied any involvement, the court was told.

She broke down in tears as Miss Leeming asked her if she was responsible.

Miss Brown said: "All I know is that I did not set the place on fire and it could have been meant for me.

"They were my friends and I wish they were still here, but what can I do? If I could take their place I would."

Police investigated hundreds of leads and made four arrests at the time, but did not have enough evidence to charge anyone.

Det Sgt Samuel Pickering said: "We will investigate any new information and we will not give up."