Teenager murdered in park named

Louise Stephanie Evans, 18, who was living in a hostel, suffered knife injuries and head wounds during the attack in Towneley Park, Burnley, Lancashire.

She was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday and pronounced dead at the scene. Three men, aged 17, 20 and 22, and one 19-year-old woman were arrested but released without charge.

Two other men, aged 18 and 20, are still in custody after police were granted a 36-hour extension to question the pair.

A Lancashire Police spokeswoman said: "A post-mortem has revealed that the victim died as a result of multiple injuries."

The teenager and the suspects knew each other and detectives are investigating whether the group had been drinking or taking drugs throughout the night.

Forensic searches were carried out at the scene on Wednesday with officers in white suits combing the secluded, leafy area behind the park's historic Towneley Hall.

It is understood the woman was living in Calico's Elizabeth Street Project - a Burnley hostel providing accommodation for homeless people.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Gray of Lancashire Police described the death as an "horrific attack" and appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.

He said: "Despite the fact that this incident took place when it would have been dark and in a fairly secluded spot, people may still have information which could help us piece together exactly what happened. I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and that people who ordinarily use this park should not be unduly worried."