Laptop appeal over girl's killing

A post mortem examination revealed that Ashleigh had been smothered

Police investigating the death of a County Durham teenager have appealed for help in recovering a laptop computer used by her alleged killer.

The body of 17-year-old Ashleigh Hall was discovered in a field near Sedgefield on 26 October.

Peter Chapman, 32, has been charged with her manslaughter and kidnap. It is alleged he met her on an internet site.

Detectives believe he had earlier been in possession of a black Acer laptop, which they want to trace.

Det Ch Insp Paul Harker, from Durham Police, said the help of the public was vital.

Key role

"The laptop may have been sold to an unsuspecting individual or trader, it may have been dumped by a roadside or deliberately hidden," he said.

"We want to hear from anyone who knows anything about this laptop, which we are told looked new.

"Our ongoing inquiries into internet contacts are extensive and the recovery of this machine would play a key role in this investigation."

Ashleigh, of Warwick Square, Darlington, was found dead in a farmer's field close to the Little Chef roundabout, off the A689 and A177 roads, near Sedgefield.

A post mortem examination revealed she had been smothered.

Mr Chapman, of no fixed address, will appear before Teesside Crown Court on 4 January, charged with manslaughter and kidnap.

He also faces an additional charge of ailing to notify a new address as required by the Sex Offenders Act.