New lead in murder hunt

Julie's friend said she had arranged to meet a taxi driver

Police say they have a new lead in the hunt for the killer of Julie Finley - murdered nine years ago.

Miss Finley, 23, went missing on 5 August 1994 in Liverpool city centre.

Her naked body was found the next day in a carrot field near to the Wheatsheaf pub on the Rainford bypass. She had been strangled.

Merseyside Police say a woman has come forward saying she saw a woman arguing with a man, who was trying to drag her into a van.

Officers say it is the most important new lead they have had in the case for years.

The witness said that the woman, who met Julie's description, was seen with the man near the Wheatsheaf pub, an hour after the last sighting of Julie.

There is every indication that the young lady seen fighting off her attacker could have been Julie Finley Detective Chief Inspector Francis Youell

It was only yards from where Julie's body was found.

Detective Chief Inspector Francis Youell, of Merseyside Police, said: "This is the most important lead that the inquiry team have received in many years.

"There is every indication that the young lady seen fighting off her attacker could have been Julie Finley."

He appealed for anyone who was near to the Wheatsheaf public house, who saw a man struggling with a woman at about 0030 BST on Saturday, 6 August, 1994, to come forward.

Police also want to speak to a friend of Julie's called Tina, who said she was due to meet a taxi driver on the night of her death.

She has failed to get back in touch with officers after giving them the information.

Anyone with information about the murder can contact Merseyside Police, or Crimestoppers.