SOME crimes leave a firm imprint on the neighbourhood where they took place.But while Lavenham Road will forever be associated with the murder of Karen Hales - one of the most horrific crimes Ipswich has known - it is clear some people in the area have been able to move on.

Mark Bulstrode

SOME crimes leave a firm imprint on the neighbourhood where they took place.

But while Lavenham Road will forever be associated with the murder of Karen Hales - one of the most horrific crimes Ipswich has known - it is clear some people in the area have been able to move on.

Some new residents of this quiet cul-de-sac, on the border of Chantry Park, moved in not knowing the history of the street, but others are still there and can remember when their sleepy neighbourhood was the focus of a massive police investigation, and the site of a crime which stunned the town.

For those living with the legacy of the terrible crime, there is hope today's development may help solve it.

Josephine McCarry, 26, of Lavenham Road, Ipswich, said: “I was 14 at the time and I remember it really shocked people. That type of thing isn't known around here. It so quiet and you wouldn't think someone would get killed, especially with a kid.

“I think this reward sounds a good idea. It might tempt people but it's been such a long time. There were whispers going around about who did it but we don't know for sure.”

Robert McCarry, 34, of Lavenham Road, added: “I knew Karen and she was a really nice girl. It was horrendous for a mother to be killed in front of her kid.

”I think this reward might help. It might jog a few people's memories.”