CHURCHES across Ipswich have today opened their doors to allow people to offer prayers and reflections after the murder of five prostitutes in the area.

CHURCHES across Ipswich have today opened their doors to allow people to offer prayers and reflections after the murder of five prostitutes in the area.

The bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Rt Rev Richard Lewis, said today that Christian leaders across the area were trying to help people come to terms with recent events.

He said: “Our prayers and thoughts are with the friends and families of the victims - and also with the police who have a very difficult job on their hands at present.”

He spoke to The Evening Star after the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams today urged people to remember that the victims in Ipswich should not be merely labelled as prostitutes.

He said: “These young women are in a desperate situation. But we must all remember that they are all someone's daughter - they all have families who are now grieving.”

Carol services in Ipswich will offer prayers and a quiet time for reflection for the victims and their family - and there will be a special candlelit service of prayers and reflection at Copdock church on Friday at 5.30pm.