Missing prostitute found dead on hillside

DETECTIVES have launched a murder inquiry in the Peak District after the discovery of the body of missing Sheffield prostitute Dawn Shields, writes Graham Moorby.

Miss Shields disappeared a week ago after being seen getting into a car in Broomhall, the city's red light district.

Her naked body, partly buried by rocks and debris on the slopes of Mam Tor, a peak near Castleton in the Peak District, was found yesterday by National Trust wardens. She had suffered severe head injuries and police believe she may have been buried for up to a week.

Derbyshire police are working with their South Yorkshire colleagues, who were already investigating the disappearance of Miss Shields.

Detectives are also liaising with Midlands police, who are investigating the murders of three prostitutes this year.

Det Supt Peter Hall said yesterday that there were no outward signs of Miss Shield's murder having been sexually motivated apart from the body being naked.

He added that the injuries to the victim's head were the only obvious signs of violence. Police were yesterday combing the hillsides for clues to the killing. They were searching for the see-through blouse, black velvet miniskirt and ankle boots which Miss Shields was wearing when she died. Police believe she was killed elsewhere before her body was taken to the remote Mam Tor and hidden.

Police yesterday urged anyone to come forward if they had any information about Miss Shield's last movements. They assured clients that information would be dealt with discreetly.