A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Ipswich has today been charged with the murder of five women.

A 48-YEAR-OLD man from Ipswich has today been charged with the murder of five women.

Speaking at a press conference this evening Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull said: “You will be aware that on Monday December 18 as part of our investigation into the murders of five women in the Ipswich area we arrested a suspect at his home in Trimley St Martin.

“The next day a second suspect was arrested in Ipswich.

“There have been significant ongoing enquiries and interviews during the period that these men have been in custody.

“As a result of these enquiries the 37-year-old man from Trimley was this evening released on police bail pending further enquiries.

“Police will not name this man at this stage.

“The second man Steven Wright, from Ipswich, has been charged with the murder of all five women.”

Michael Crimp, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Working as part of the team of lawyers overseen by the chief crown prosecutor for Suffolk I was briefed on this case prior to any arrest being made and the whole team has been kept in close contact with the police throughout.

“We have been working with officers from the Suffolk Constabulary for the last eight days advising on a number of preliminary legal issues both before and after arrest.

“As this case has developed we have been carefully examining and assessing the evidence in order to come to a charging decision at the earliest possible opportunity.

“This evening we have made a decision that there is sufficient evidence and authorised that Steven Wright, of London Road, born on 24 April 1958, should be charged with the murder of Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Annelie Alderton, Annette Nicholls and Paula Clenell.

“We will continue to keep this case under constant review as it develops.

“Mr Wright will be kept in custody and appear before Ipswich Magistrates' Court tomorrow.”