A young woman found murdered was with a man hours before her body was found, police said today.
They also revealed they are seeking missing clothes belonging to 24-year-old Shirley Finlay.
She was found strangled to death and wrapped in a duvet in Mount Street, Ballymena, Co Antrim, on September 19th.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Woods said: "We have had a number of sightings of her in the Harryville area with a tall, slim man with dark hair. We need this man to come forward."
Ms Finlay, from Crebilly Road in the town would have celebrated her 25th birthday last Friday.
Detectives have confirmed they are investigating a possible sexual motive for the killing. They are also trying to trace her missing footwear and trousers.
Det Woods added: "We don't know where her shoes and trousers are. If they have been dumped somewhere we need to find them.
"Shirley suffered a horrific death and police are determined to bring her killer to justice."
He added they had additional officers on the ground but needed people to come forward with information.
He warned the photo used in the police appeal showed Ms Finlay with dark hair but said it had been dyed blonde when she was last seen alive.
"This was a brutal murder but people should not be frightened. We would advise people to think and act sensibly. If they have any concerns they should contact police and we will take appropriate action."
Sophisticated forensic techniques are being used to gather evidence from the victim's body.
PA