Calls for prayer for Luigi

A RELIGIOUS leader has called on Ipswich to pray for tragic tot Luigi Mills and his devastated mum Samantha Askew in a bid to support the family in their time of grief.

Reverend Mark Morgan, who heads St Peter's Church in Stoke Park, said his congregation has already observed a minute's silence for month-old Luigi and the Askew family.

Mr Morgan revealed he has laid a floral tribute outside Samantha Askew's home in Lanercost Way, Stoke Park and has offered his services to the family if they need help or support.

He said: “I felt sympathy, sadness and bewilderment as to why this had happened.

“I thought it was important that as a church we registered that and showed we would be praying and that god hasn't abandoned these people in this situation.

“This is an absolutely broken experience the family are going through.

“People often think that prayer is a last resort but actually it's such an important thing and makes a huge difference.”

Duncan Mills, 31, of London Road, appeared in court yesterday charged with the four-week old baby's murder.

Mills, who previously lived in Felixstowe Road, is believed to have worked as a DJ at nightspots in Ipswich in the past.

Ms Askew was also quizzed following the death but was released without charge.

Friend Lyndsey Mullett, 24, of Wigmore Close, Stoke Park, said she is concerned for her friend's wellbeing.

She said: “I thought it was absolutely ridiculous when I heard she had been arrested.

“Sam would never hurt anyone. She's such a gentle person.

“I fear it's going to be a huge struggle for her now - it would be for anybody.”

Mills, who has been charged with murder and assault on a woman causing grievous bodily harm, has been remanded in custody to reappear at Ipswich Crown Court on June 7.

n. Do you want to pay tribute? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk