THE toddler son a Preston woman found strangled in her bath could hold vital clues to his pregnant mother's tragic death.

Detectives hunting the killer of 20-year-old Christine Askey hope to coax vital clues out of her three-year-old son, Cameron, who was in their Nevett Street home at the time of the killing.

Christine's naked body was discovered on Monday morning, face down in the bath, by her mother, Pauline Coombes.

A post mortem later revealed she had been strangled to death. She was pregnant with twins.

Mrs Coombes, who lived over the road from Christine, also found terrified Cameron sitting on the stairs of their home.

Police are now hoping Cameron will be able to pass on vital clues about Christine's killer after they received a 'very limited response' from local residents on the notorious Callon estate.

Det Supt Paul Buschini, who is leading the investigation to find Christine's killer, said: "We are treating Cameron with kid gloves at the moment because this is a very traumatic time.

"He will be interviewed by officers trained to deal with situations like this in the hope that he might have seen something."

Cameron is now staying with his grandmother, Pauline, and her common-law husband, Derek Coombes.

Yesterday, it emerged Christine was 16 weeks pregnant.

She had only told her mother the good news at the weekend.

Police have now appealed for friends of Christine, who attended Fishwick County Primary School and Moor Park High School before becoming pregnant at 17, to come forward with information about her lifestyle and acquaintances.

Christine's parents do not know who the father of the unborn twins is, but police are keen to speak to him.

Mr Buschini added: "Christine's life revolved around Cameron and she did not frequent the pubs and clubs in town.

"She was a devoted mother."

Details of Christine's last movements are still sketchy, meaning police cannot pinpoint an exact time of death. Forensic searches should give more details on what exactly happened:

Sunday, 8pm: Christine's 15-year-old sister leaves after visiting her at her Nevett Street home.

Monday, 8am: Christine fails to visit her mum, Pauline, for breakfast, which is normally part of her daily routine. Pauline looks at Christine's house, sees the curtains drawn. She assumes Christine is having a lie-in.

Monday, 11.30am: Pauline becomes worried and goes to the house, entering through the unlocked door. She finds Christine and Cameron.

Police also have a list of key witnesses they need to find, including:

The father of Christine's unborn twins. Det Supt Paul Buschini said: "We are very keen to talk to him."

An Asian man who has been a regular visitor to Christine's house ever since Cameron was born. The man was dropped at the corner of Nevett Street and Pinfold St by a man in sports car. Call 203203 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.

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