A third murder has been linked to the disappearance of two local young women.

The possibility of a killer on the loose is also being considered by senior detectives.

The horrific stabbing of 15-year-old Hannah Detterville from Paddington is now being investigated alongside the disappearance of 20-year-old Elizabeth Chau from Ealing and 27-year-old Lola Shenkoya from Swyncombe Avenue in Southall.

Hannah's body was found on Horsenden Hill, Greenford, three weeks after her disappearance in January 1998, following an anonymous call to a gay and lesbian helpline. She had been stabbed 20 times, and was of ethnic minority appearance, like the other two girls.

The search for similar victims has also been widened and detectives will make contact with forces all over the country to search for possible link cases.

The theory that Miss Chau, who was last seen in April last year walking past Ealing police station, Uxbridge Road, and Miss Shenkoya, who disappeared in January this year, and was last seen outside Burger King near Ealing Broadway Station, were somehow abducted into a van or lured into a car is still being treated seriously, though no firm link between the two cases can yet be given.

Investigating, Detective Chief Inspector Steve Hobbs said: 'My fear is that both women have been murdered, not necessarily by the same person, but that remains a distinct possibility.' Anyone who has experienced a similar abduction attempt, or has information should call DCI Hobbs on 020 8358 1799.