January 4, 2001 17:21: This is Zoe Parker, the 24-year-old whose severed body was found in the river in Battersea sparking a nationwide murder hunt.

Within hours of police appealing for help to identify her mutilated torso, detectives discovered Zoe was from the Feltham and Hounslow area and was also known by the name Kathy Dennis.

They are now desperately seeking information as to why the young woman was killed and cut up in such an horrific manner.

So far only the top half of her body has been recovered. It was found near Church Road, Battersea, opposite Chelsea Harbour on December 17 just before 11.30am.

She was identified after police released photographs of a distinctive tattoo on her left arm and an identical top to the one she was wearing, of which only 200 were sold.

Both her ears were pierced twice in the lower lobe but she was wearing no jewellery when found.

It is now thought the body could have been in the water for between one and three weeks and could have been dumped anywhere between Teddington and the Thames estuary.

Senior investigating officer DCI Richard Heselden said: There is no doubt that the circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious.

She was severed at the waist before being placed in the river the top half of her body is intact.

She was not weighed down or wrapped in any way when found.

Detectives also believe Zoe may have had links with people in the West End or Charing Cross area.

They want to hear from anyone who may have known Zoe or have witnessed anything suspicious in connection with her. They are also appealing for anyone who has information as to her whereabouts over the past three months to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact police at the incident room at Shooters Hill on 020 8284 9765 or speak, anonymously, to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By.Jenny Vereker