THE mother of Joanne Whitelegg has launched a stinging attack on Bolton Social Services bosses following the brutal stabbing of her daughter.

Noreen Malone, mum of Joanne Whitelegg, hit out at the town hall bosses in an emotional statement about her daughter's horrific death.

She said: "We have lost a much loved daughter and nothing will ease our sad loss. The mental and physical anguish could only be understood by anyone unfortunate enough to have suffered the same trauma.

"The effects of this atrocity have radiated beyond our immediate families but it is our daughters, grandchildren, nieces and nephew whom we are most distressed and anxious about for they have to live in the future with the pain of their loss and the possibility that Joanne's killer will be released, free to live, anonimously in the community.

"Any anger we feel lies with the social services system which has failed; it is yet another case of someone with obvious behavioural problems living uncontrolled in a local community causing mayhem over a two year period and finally committing this atrocity.

"Finally we wish to express our sincere gratitude to the Bolton police force who have gone way beyond their duty to help and support us during this very sad and difficult time."