SOMEONE, somewhere knows the vital clue which will lead to the killer of Lowton mum Shirley Brown. But they're keeping quiet about it!

This week, the man leading the murder hunt appealled to Journal readers to break their silence. "Give me that clue and let's catch the killer!" said Det Supt John Waterworth.

Shirley (46) was strangled in her bungalow in Allerby Way a fortnight ago.

And Supt. Waterworth commented: "I'm convinced someone holds further information, and it can't do any harm to let me know. If just one new point comes up then it will be worthwhile and could give us the vital clue we are looking for. All information will be treated in total confidence.'

He added that there had not been a great deal of public response to his previous appeals for information, including a scream which broke the silence of dawn on Saturday, June 8, which was heard by a neighbour.

Mr. Waterworth said he was also still hoping for more information about the missing 25 minutes in the time Shirley left a friend's home in Billinge at about 11pm and next being seen entering her home at 11.45pm, a journey which should have taken no more than 20 minutes.

Anyone who can help with information is asked to contact the Murder Incident Room at Leigh Police Station on 0161 856 7284 or 0161 856 7282.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.