AN early-morning scream could hold the clue to a killer.

It came from the home of Shirley Brown, viciously murdered at her Lowton home last week.

Now detectives hunting the maniac who strangled 46-year-old Shirley at her bungalow in Allerby Way are hoping someone may have heard or seen a car leaving the area between 4am and 5am on Saturday, June 8.

A neighbour has reported hearing a scream coming from Shirley's home at about that time.

The man heading the hunt, Detective Superintendent John Waterworth, said: "This event is very significant.

"I want to hear from anyone who may have seen any person in the area or heard or saw a motor vehicle leaving the area around that time.

"Maybe someone saw a vehicle parked overnight which is not usually there. It could be someone was picked up in the area by a taxi driver."

Supt Waterworth also said inquiries had narrowed the gap in the missing 55 minutes reported last week.

It was originally understood that Shirley had left her friend's home in Billinge at 10.30pm to arrive home at 11.45pm.

But the detective now says: "I now believe Shirley Brown did arrive home at 11.45pm but she probably set off from Billinge a little later than first thought, maybe around 11pm.

"Even so she should really have been home a bit earlier.

"So I still want to hear from any person who saw Shirley or her green coloured Ford Fiesta motor vehicle, registered number M194 PHG, during that time in particular, and anyone who saw her during that evening.

"I still need to hear from anyone who knew Shirley and who still has not contacted the incident room.

"I also want to hear from any person who may have been in the area of Shirley's home or called there between 4pm, Friday, June 7, and 6pm, Sunday, June 9.

"Someone may hold vital information. Please contact me."

Supt Waterworth may be contacted at the Leigh Police Station Incident Room number, 0161 856 7284 or 7282, or on the free Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in total confidence.

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