Detectives still quizzing suspects

DETECTIVES were last night given a further 36 hours to question a man on suspicion of killing five prostitutes - as meticulous examinations of his Ipswich home continued.

Steve Wright's bedsit, in London Road, remains sealed off, with the front and rear of the property covered by scaffolding.

Scenes of crime officers wearing white suits and masks were seen going and in and out of the address, on the edge of the town's red light district.

Police now have until 5am tomorrow to quiz the 48-year-old but can apply for a 24-hour extension if needed. After that time, they will either have to charge or release him.

Fellow suspect Tom Stephens, of Jubilee Close, Trimley St Martin, was also still in police custody last night.

Detectives have been granted permission by a magistrate to continue questioning the 37-year-old until 7.20am tomorrow - when he will have to be charged or released.

Mr Wright was led out of his home still wearing his night clothes early on Tuesday morning. He was arrested on suspicion of murdering Tania Nicol, 19, Gemma Adams, 25, Anneli Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

Mr Stephens is also suspected of killing the five Ipswich prostitutes, whose bodies were found between December 2 and 12.

A large area around Mr Wright's London Road home remained sealed off as police looked to secure the potential crime scene.

Four wheelie-bins were seen being taken away by Ipswich Borough Council employees yesterday but it is not known if this is significant to the investigation. Door to door inquiries were also taking place in the area.

In Jubilee Close, Trimley St Martin, the home of 37-year-old Mr Stephens was still the subject of painstaking investigations throughout yesterday.

Officers are looking for clues that could either link the two men to the deaths of the five women or eliminate them from their inquiries.

More than 500 officers from more than 30 forces are currently working on the investigation.