HUNDREDS of suppporters have backed a family’s plea to keep a killer behind bars.

The family of Michelle Calvy have expressed their gratitude to a staggering 930 people who have signed a petition to keep the rapist and murderer of the 16-year-old behind bars.

Anthony Entwistle is one of East Lancashire’s most notorious killers and had served prison sentences for three rapes before he murdered the Blackburn teenager in 1987.

The 59-year-old Oswaldtwislte man is being considered for parole this year and could be released if it is judged he is no longer a danger.

The number of petition signatures has trebled in the past few days since the Lancashire Telegraph highlighted the family’s plight.

Brother Paul Calvy said he was grateful for the immense support shown.

He said: “Thank you to all that have signed this petition but we need more. Please help to keep my sisters’ killer behind bars.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Andrea Kay for getting the petition started. I can't put into words how much this means to my family and the memory of my sister Michelle. I would just like to ask everyone to please sign and share this petition.”

When originally sentenced, the judge at Preston Crown Court told Entwistle, 38, at the time, that he would die in jail. He was one of 35 murderers told they will never be released.

The petition is at: submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/36769