Hunt for killer of pregnant girl, 14

Detectives today stepped up their hunt for the killer of a pregnant teenager whose semi-naked body was discovered in a churchyard.

Amy Williams, 14, was found by a man visiting his wife's grave at St Michael's Church in Madeley, Shropshire. She had been strangled.

Tests are due to be carried out to determine whether she was sexually assaulted. Officers also want to find out whether she was killed in the church grounds or her body was dumped there.

Amy was last seen between 9pm and 10pm on Boxing Day in the Sutton Hill area of Telford where she lived with her mother. Her body was found on Monday.

Amy's mother, Jane Chattle, said: "I'm utterly devastated. I'm saddened and sickened that anyone could do such a thing."

A West Mercia Police spokesman confirmed that Amy was pregnant when she was killed. She was described as white, about 5ft 5in tall and slim, with long, straight dark hair.

She was last seen alive wearing a pink tracksuit, white T-shirt and white Kappa trainers.

An incident room has been set up and officers are carrying out houseto-house inquiries. CCTV footage is also being examined.

Detective Inspector Andy Parsons, who is leading the murder hunt, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen this girl after 9pm on Boxing Day." He also urged people in Madeley to look in their gardens, hedges and dustbins for any trace of her clothes.