Murders probe 'could cost £19m'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/suffolk/6281943.stm

Version 0 of 1.

The police investigation into the murders of five women in Ipswich could cost taxpayers more than £19m, the Suffolk Police Authority has said.

Officers and staff from more than 30 UK forces examined the deaths of the women, who worked as prostitutes.

Detectives worked non-stop for two weeks and the inquiry is on-going.

Steve Wright, 48, has been charged with the murders of Gemma Adams, 25, Anneli Alderton, 24, Tania Nicol, 19, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

Mr Wright, of London Road, Ipswich, is being held in custody and is due to appear before Ipswich Crown Court in May.

Police began five separate investigations into the women's deaths, each headed by an officer of Detective Chief Inspector rank or above, and the operation was overseen by a Superintendent and Chief Superintendent.

Estimated figures

It was one of the biggest inquiries of its kind seen in Britain for more than 25 years, and lawyers say investigations are continuing on a significant scale.

The Suffolk Police Authority figures estimate the inquiry will cost more than £9m to the end of April and nearly £10m between May and April 2008.

The authority said the figures were estimates based on calculations of resources required and the length of the investigation, and would be regularly reviewed.

The Home Office will be asked to provide money from central funds to help foot the bill and ensure that Suffolk's budget was not exhausted.

The five women were all found dead near villages south of Ipswich during a 10-day period last December.

Police began an inquiry after Miss Nicol vanished on 30 October.