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Prayers for Ipswich murders women Suffolk killings memorial service
(about 1 hour later)
A memorial service is due to be held for five women whose bodies were found in the Ipswich area last year. A memorial service has been held for five women whose bodies were found in the Ipswich area last year.
Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29, were found dead in December.Gemma Adams, 25, Tania Nicol, 19, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29, were found dead in December.
Prayers will be said for the women, who worked as prostitutes, in a service at St Matthew's Church in Ipswich. Prayers were said for the women, who worked as prostitutes, in a service at St Matthew's Church in Ipswich.
Steve Wright, 49, of Ipswich, is due to stand trial in January charged with murdering the women. Steve Wright, 49, of London Road, Ipswich, is due to stand trial in January accused of murdering the women.
The Suffolk police inquiry into the deaths was one of the biggest England has ever seen, involving more than 500 officers from 30 forces. Opening the service on Friday, Canon Peter Townley said: "In the quietness, we have come to remember the five women found dead last year.
"We gather to pray for them, their families, their friends, all whom they love and all who love them."
'Very moving'
After the short service, in which Mr Townley led the congregation in reading the Lord's Prayer, those gathered were given an opportunity to pray for the women.
Among the mourners was a former prostitute, who worked under the street name of Charlotte.
The woman, who did not want to give her real name, said: "It was very moving.
"It was nice for people to be able to say a prayer. I used to know Paula."
Det Ch Supt Stewart Gull, the Suffolk police officer who led the investigation into the deaths, was also among the congregation.
It is not thought any of the women's families attended.
Bodies foundBodies found
The Suffolk police inquiry into the deaths was one of the biggest England has seen, involving more than 500 officers from 30 forces.
The operation began when Miss Nicol was reported missing, days after last being seen alive on 30 October last year.The operation began when Miss Nicol was reported missing, days after last being seen alive on 30 October last year.
On 15 November, police issued an appeal for information about a second missing woman - Miss Adams.On 15 November, police issued an appeal for information about a second missing woman - Miss Adams.
In early December the body of Miss Adams was found, followed soon afterwards by the discovery of Miss Nicol's body.In early December the body of Miss Adams was found, followed soon afterwards by the discovery of Miss Nicol's body.
On 10 December, Miss Alderton was found dead at Nacton, near Ipswich. On 10 December, Miss Alderton was found dead at Nacton, near Ipswich, before the bodies of Miss Clennell and Miss Nicholls were discovered two days later.
Two days later, the bodies of the two other women were found.
Friday's service is due to begin at 1400 GMT at the church in Portman Road, Ipswich, and will be led by Canon Peter Townley.
It will be open for visitors to come and go during a quiet period of about two hours, intended as an opportunity for people to say their own prayers for the five women.
Mr Wright, who denies the five murders, is due to stand trial at Ipswich Crown Court on 14 January.Mr Wright, who denies the five murders, is due to stand trial at Ipswich Crown Court on 14 January.