Helplessness of Newmarket residents

IN Newmarket today the feeling among residents, many of whom had faced a sleepless night of worry, was palpable as news filtered in of the fruitless search on Warren Hill.

Iris Parker said: "I couldn't sleep last night for worrying about those girls. I am absolutely delighted and relieved for their parents.

"It's every parents biggest nightmare. I cannot imagine what they are continuing to go through."

The copse in which the shallow 'graves' thought to be the final resting place of Jessica and Holly is a mile from Newmarket's town centre.

In the early morning sunshine on fields surrounding the Warren Hill woodland, stable boys and girls were getting back to their daily routine of exercising their horses.

At the top of the hill in a media encampment some 200 yards from where the 'graves' were located, 30 yards apart, journalists were starting to pack up.

In the town centre residents reiterated their relief at this morning's news.

Chris Field, father of three boys aged 8, 6 and 2, said: "It's a great relief. I was delighted to hear the news. This has effected every family in the area. It's a fine balance trying to explain to my children what has happened, without scaring them too much."

His son Harry, 8, spoke for all residents when he said: "My fingers are crossed that the girls will return home safely."

Jo Smith, 18, Newmarket resident said: "It's a great relief to the whole town. I am still very wary of my own safety following the girls' disappearance.

"I am also remaining vigilant and keeping my eyes open for a green car."

Katherine Patmore, 21, who works in Newmarket, said: "I cannot imagine the effect had two dead girls been found up on the hill."

Today 30 officers remain at the copse, owned by the Jockey Club, which is cordoned off around its circumference.

Sergeant Pete Digby said: "Officers will remain on site until we are briefed later today. We may continue to search the woodland area."