Police hunt for laptop linked to murder case

Detectives believe that a black Acer laptop used by Peter Chapman, the man accused of killing 17-year-old Ashleigh Hall, is in the Darlington area.

They have been trying to trace the computer since Chapman's arrest in October last year.

Inquiries have found the computer was sold from a house on Marton Road, Teesside, shortly after Miss Hall's death. It had been advertised for sale.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "We know the person who bought the laptop lives in the Darlington area.

"We know that he was driving a van and that he may be employed as a roofer.

"Sadly, despite appeals and our own investigations we have not been able to trace this person.

"It is vital that he comes forward as the recovery of this machine could play a vital part in our enquiries.

"This is a complex murder investigation. A teenage girl was killed and it is the duty of every member of the public to help as much as they can. We would urge this man to make himself known."

Miss Hall's body was found dumped in a ditch on farmland near Sedgefield, County Durham, last year.

The trainee nanny went missing after telling her mother she was going to stay overnight at a friend's house. Afterwards her mother urged parents to make sure they knew what their children were doing.

Chapman has denied the kidnap, rape and murder of Miss Hall and a further charge of failing to notify police of a change of address, as required by the Sex Offenders' Register.

He is due to face trial at Middlesbrough Crown Court next month.