A MOTORIST who abducted a 20-year-old Wakefield travel agent who was knocked down and killed moments later may have been a disqualified driver.

It is also believed the wanted man may have been drinking in bars around Wakefield, West Yorkshire on the night Stephanie Hammill died, West Yorkshire Police said.

Police are now searching the details of banned drivers in the Wakefield area or those who visit the area.

Miss Hammill was found lying in the road minutes after she had climbed into the back of a car she thought was a taxi.

The mystery vehicle sped off, leaving her boyfriend James Garland, 22, standing on the pavement.

Police believe Miss Hammill got out of the first car and was then knocked down by another, larger vehicle as she stood in the road.

The police spokesperson said: "Detectives investigating Stephanie's death are looking into the possibility that a disqualified driver could have been at the wheel of the car which abducted her.

"The investigation team is also looking into the possibility that the driver could have been in licensed premises in Wakefield on the night that Stephanie died."

Det Supt Howard Crowther, who is leading the investigation, added: "We are hoping that this could be a productive line of inquiry."