Police reveal third Mary Ann girl

Police this afternoon confirmed that a third girl was in a car with Mary Ann Leneghan and her friend before they were subjected to a sickening attack.

The girl has been spoken to by police as a witness and is helping them with their inquiries.

However, a police spokeswoman said that she was "in no way involved in the incident that night and was not attacked".

Mary Ann, 16, and an 18-year-old friend were abducted from a Reading pub car park by six men last Friday. They were driven to a hotel where they were tortured and sexually assaulted.

After a five- hour ordeal the two were taken to nearby Prospect Park where Mary Ann was stabbed to death.

Her friend was shot in the head but survived and is under police guard at hospital.

Detective Superintendent Mark Warwick said today: "This crime is one of the most horrendous I've seen. It has shocked and stunned all officers who have been involved." Police are also investigating reports that the home of Mary Ann's friend was firebombed two weeks ago.

The new lead emerged as a close friend revealed that Mary Ann had once gone missing for almost a month after she "got in with the wrong crowd".

Former neighbour Tessa Newport and her husband Andrew believe the murder is linked to the arson attack, which damaged the 18-year-old's front door. Mr Newport said: "I think it is too coincidental."