An MP has called for brothels to be legalised after a pregnant prostitute was murdered in his constituency.

The partially clothed body of Danielle Moorcroft was found in Bolton, Greater Manchester on Saturday.

The 21-year-old is the second prostitute to be killed in the town in the past six months.

Brian Iddon, the MP for Bolton South East, said: "By having brothels, the problem of prostitutes being murdered on the streets would be removed."

Ms Moorcroft was up to five months pregnant

Ms Moorcroft, who was up to five months pregnant, was found in a car park behind Bolton Community College, on the edge of the red light district at 0540 BST on Saturday.

She died after sustaining massive head injuries.

Greater Manchester Police said a weapon has been recovered and was being examined on Thursday.

Ms Moorcroft, a heroin addict who was originally from Liverpool, had worked in Bolton for two years.

Last November, the body of 17-year-old prostitute Carly Bateman was found in the town.

'Costly' measures

A man has been charged with her murder.

Mr Iddon said on Thursday: "To have two murders here in such a short space of time is a tragedy, and my heart goes out to Danielle's family and friends."

He said that despite being expensive to introduce, legal brothels would solve many long-term problems.

"I believe in taking prostitution off the streets.

"The only way to do that is to legalise brothels.

Mr Iddon: Legal brothels would protect prostitutes

"I know some people may find this idea offensive, but I find the fact that Danielle was murdered even more offensive."

Detectives have been interviewing prostitutes and examining CCTV footage in the area.

Detective Superintendent Patsy Wood urged people not to let the fact Ms Moorcroft was a heroin addict and a prostitute blind them to the tragedy of her death.

"She had a family that knew about her lifestyle and they loved her very much," she said.

"They are obviously devastated by what has happened."

Men who use prostitutes in the area have been urged to speak to police in the strictest confidence.

"Coming forward would be a better option for them rather than having the police turn up on their doorstep," said Ms Wood.