DETECTIVES launched a murder inquiry last night after the body of an 18-year-old girl was found in a burned-out flat.
The announcement was made after a post-mortem examination on the body of Joanne Broome.
Miss Broome was found in a top-floor flat blackened by fire in Main Street, Renton, Dunbartonshire, at 11.15am on Thursday.
She lived in Murroch Avenue, in Bellsmyre, Dumbarton, about three miles from where her body was found.
Strathclyde Police declined to comment on the cause of her death, but one report said she had been stabbed.
The fire appeared to have burned itself out before her body was discovered. Strathclyde Fire Brigade confirmed that it was called to the house to help police shortly after 4pm on Thursday.
The area outside the three-storey block of flats was cordoned off yesterday and only residents were allowed access to the building.
One resident said: ''We have seen the girl about, but no-one really knows her. I think she lived with her boyfriend.''
Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Waters, of the CID at Dumbarton, said that Miss Broome's relatives had been told of her death.
He added: ''I appeal to anyone who has any information - no matter how insignificant it may seem - which could assist this inquiry to contact me.''
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