THE York body-in-a-suitcase murder mystery is being linked to the disappearance of another Korean woman, who visited North Yorkshire before she vanished.

Detectives have established a clear connection between the murder of Hyo Jung Jin, 21, whose partially-clothed body was discovered bound and gagged and stuffed in a suitcase which was found dumped in a country lane near the village of Askham Richard on November 18, and missing In Hea Song, a 22-year-old student at the Guildhall University, London. Miss Song was reported missing by a friend on December 18 but was last seen on December 8.

Investigations have revealed the two had both lived at an address in Eagle Street, west London, when they first arrived in the UK, though it is not believed they lived there at the same time. Officers also have evidence which suggests Miss Song had travelled to North Yorkshire prior to her disappearance.

Det Chief Insp Vic Rae, of the Metropolitan Police, who is leading the inquiry into Miss Song's disappearance, said: "After liaising with North Yorkshire Police, we have discovered a number of links between the disappearance of Miss Song and the murder of Miss Jin. Both women had lived at an address in west London when they first arrived in the UK and both had connections with Yorkshire, although we do not believe they were friends."

Miss Jin, whose body was identified last week, had been studying French at Lyon University in France and was reported missing when she failed to return from a visit to London in late October. She had been bound and gagged with adhesive tape designed by controversial London-based artists Gilbert and George and sold only at the country's four Tate art galleries.

Det Chief Insp Alan Ankers, the York detective leading the murder hunt, said: "Discovering that these young women had once stayed at the same address in London is clearly a significant development although we are still unsure of their connection with York."

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact the London incident room on 0208 345 3387 or the York incident room on 01904 618618.

Updated: 16:19 Tuesday, January 15, 2002