Meanwhile, people in Blacon are on edge and unnerved. Gwyn Barclay is among dozens of dog walkers interviewed and photo-graphed with their pets by police.
She said: 'People are frightened in case the person who did this is still in Blacon. Whoever it is had better not touch a child or there will be hell to pay.
'This is the work of a monster. It's a monster in human form.'
Fellow dog walker Deborah Brown, who is also a neighbour of Mr Prudhoe, said: 'I won't go out at night. Even during the day I'm a bit careful about who I talk to.'
Some people have told The Chronicle that Stephen, who drank daily and smoked cannabis at home, appeared to have been more intoxicated in recent weeks.
His next-door neighbour, Carol Pleasant, heard doors banging and his dog getting upset in the days leading up to his death.
Matt Thomson, of Stratford Road, is worried his friend was the victim of someone high on drugs.
'There are that many druggies living down there, you would not believe it,' he said.
Police say the number of calls received at the incident room has so far been 'disappointing' in relation to the Press coverage. They consider the media's focus on the inference that the dog may have been involved an unhelpful distraction.
Anyone who can help police should call the incident room on 01244 613087 or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.
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