A 'SILENT scream’ text message device has been launched by a charity set up in memory of murdered bar hostess Lucie Blackman.

Miss Blackman from Sevenoaks, was found dead near Tokyo, Japan, in 2001. She was 21.

Her dismembered body was discovered in a cave in the village of Miura .

Japanese businessman Joji Obara, 54, was cleared of any involvement in her death but was jailed for life for raping nine women, one of whom died, in July this year.

Miss Blackman’s father, Tim, has launched the gadget as part of a campaign aimed at helping young people stay safe over the festive period.

The device works when its holder presses a button on the key fob for four seconds. It then sends an alert to four nominated people on their mobiles.

The message not only serves as an alert for help, but instantly locates the sender, using satellite technology, even if they are moving.

The BuddySafe device, available from the Lucie Blackman Trust, is free to under-18s with a monthly running cost of £4.99. For adults, it costs £30 to buy and £5.99 a month to run.

The Trust will also unveil a Christmas survival guide and other personal safety products, including alarms and drink-spiking detectors.

Mr Blackman, who lives on the Isle of Wight, believes the device could help save young lives.

He set up the Lucie Blackman Trust to protect young people and stop families experiencing his nightmare, which started seven years ago when his daughter was killed in Japan. He was joined by Miss Blackman’s sister, Sophie, at the launch of their campaign in London.

For more details, contact the Trust on 0207 047 5060 or email info@lbtrust.org