MURDER detectives were today probing new leads in the hunt for an Iraqi-Kurd fugitive after quizzing almost 100 shoppers in Ipswich.Farik Farukh, 32, has not been seen since May 29 but is known to have visited the town two days before his disappearance.

MURDER detectives were today probing new leads in the hunt for an Iraqi-Kurd fugitive after quizzing almost 100 shoppers in Ipswich.

Farik Farukh, 32, has not been seen since May 29 but is known to have visited the town two days before his disappearance.

Police would like to speak with him in connection with the death of his partner, Inga Losiene, whose body was found in the boot of a car outside Southend East Railway Station on June 5.

Mr Farukh, of York Road, Southend, is known to have links with Ipswich and police are focusing their inquiries on the town, along with the West Midlands and Essex.

Around 25 detectives spent most of yesterday speaking to shoppers in Ipswich town centre in the hope of establishing new leads.

A spokesman for Essex police said the focus was on the town's large Iraqi community.

He added: "Detectives traced and spoke with a number of people they felt could help with the investigation and now have a number of new lines of inquiry."

Police believe there is a high likelihood Mr Farukh may be in Ipswich, while they are also investigating possible sightings of him in Suffolk.

Lithuanian Ms Losiene, a 32-year-old mother-of-two, was reported missing on May 30.

Meanwhile, police have ruled out any links between the Essex murder probe and reports of an unconscious woman being carried through a Suffolk village by a group of men.

Police were alerted to the suspicious act, in Station Road, Bentley, at 4.30pm on May 31 and are still treating the incident as unexplained.

Anyone who has information about Mr Farukh is asked to call Essex police on 01268 775588.