THE man who murdered shop assistant Janet Cheetham in December 1981, is wanted for questioning by police officers investigating the murder of schoolgirl Louise Sellars.

Andrew Brent, 30, escaped from the prison service on June 17 of this year while on day release from Sudbury Open Prison in Derbyshire.

St Helens police carried out house-to-house inquiries in St Helens and Knowsley when news of Brent's escape was released and they believe that the fugitive, who speaks several different languages, could have fled abroad.

Now Greater Manchester Police, who are investigating the murder of 15-year-old Louise Sellars, whose body was found behind Billinge Hospital in August this year, are anxious to question Brent.

Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Evans of Greater Manchester Police, said: "As a result of similarities in the girls' deaths we would like to question Brent.

"I would like to stress, however, that although there are similarities in the murders, there is no definite link between the two cases. And if we did question Brent it would be purely routine.

"We have been liaising with police at St Helens and if he is arrested we do want to speak to him."

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Cahill of St Helens Police, said: "We have carried out house-to-house inquiries in both St Helens and Knowsley, but to no avail, there have been no confirmed sightings of him in the Merseyside area at all.

"Manchester Police have contacted us about Brent and we are aware that they would like to question him.

"We believe that Brent may have gone abroad, but would appeal to anyone who knows of his whereabouts, or has any information about Brent at all, to contact us at St Helens police station."

ANYONE who has information which may help the police should contact the CID at St Helens on 0151 777 6050. Those who would prefer to remain anonymous should ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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