DETECTIVES have consulted neighbouring police forces in the hunt to find the killer of teenager Carly Bateman.

Police have probed possible links between the case and murders of other prostitutes in Yorkshire.

One woman was found stabbed 19 times in Sheffield city centre and another was found with severe head injuries in Bradford.

But detectives in Bolton say they have ruled out any possible links between Carly's death and these murders.

Detectives have also liaised with the National Crime Faculty at Bramshill, who make sure any possible links with other on-going inquiries are fully investigated.

Police continue to investigate "local elements" to the brutal murder which has shocked Bolton.

They have urged residents to continue helping the inquiry.

Carly, aged 17, was found dead four weeks ago on the outskirts of the town's red light area. Her naked body was found in an alleyway off Crawford Avenue, the Haulgh on Sunday, November 11. She had been strangled.

Greater Manchester Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green said: "Other than the victims' lifestyle, to date, we have found no evidence to suggest there are any links between Carly's death and any other victims.

"Inquiries suggest there is a local element to this crime and we would urge both the residents of Bolton and people who work here to continue to help us.

"While the murder of Carly Bateman goes unsolved, I would like to remind people, particularly women or those working as prostitutes, to be cautious and extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police."

Two men were seen inside a white Boxer or Transit van in Bromwich Street at around the time of Carly's murder. There was no writing on the sides of the vehicle and it is believed to have been a new model. Police are appealing for details.

And they are still searching for the clothing Carly was wearing on the night she was murdered -- light three-quarter-length trousers, a grey and blue "Ellesse" top and white Reebok trainers with pink inserts.

Mr Green added: "I would like to ask the public to continue concentrating on the information and appeals which have circulated -- the nature of which has not changed.

"The public assistance so far has been excellent and I would ask for their continued support."

Anyone with information about Carly's murder, especially those who were in contact with her on the night she died, is asked to call the incident room on 0161 856 5961 or the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.