PRIME Minister Tony Blair has today given the green light to provide police with extra resources to help in the man hunt for the serial killer currently at large in Suffolk.

PRIME Minister Tony Blair has today given the green light to provide police with extra resources to help in the man hunt for the serial killer currently at large in Suffolk.

In a clear indication of the seriousness of the murders, Mr Blair has sanctioned the move in addition to the extra help already being received through structures set up by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Downing Street said it had contacted chief constable Alistair McWhirter to offer any resources Suffolk Police need for the investigation.

A spokesman for Number 10 said: “The case is obviously causing concern locally but it has also caused concern nationally.

“There has been contact from officials here and from home secretary John Reid's department.

“We'll stay in close contact with Suffolk Police.

“The force is coping well but it's obviously right we offer our support and, where we can, offer the resources they need.”

Ipswich MP Chris Mole said earlier today that he had briefed police minister Tony McNulty, minister of state at the Home Office, about the situation in Suffolk.

Mr Mole said: “The chief constable is getting help through structures set up through ACPO. That is how officers have now arrived from Norfolk and Essex to help the inquiry.

“It also allows the Suffolk Police to get advice and support from other forces. At the moment that is all that is needed. But I have spoken to Mr McNulty to tell him about the situation so he can help quickly if more resources are needed.”

Mr Mole had been with chief superintendent John Fletcher receiving a briefing about the murder of Gemma Adams last Friday when news of the discovery of Tania's body emerged.

He said: “At that time there were about 90 officers involved in the case. I know the numbers have now gone up considerably on that and I will do whatever I can to help in any representations to the government.

Mr Mole said his fellow MPs had been shocked by events in Ipswich over the last few weeks.

He said: “Many of my colleagues have spoken to me to express their horror about what has been happening in Ipswich.

“They have expressed their sympathies and condolences to the families of the families of the dead women to me, and this latest news is even more shocking.

“I don't think anyone in the House has seen anything quite like this in their constituency. This really is any unprecedented inquiry,” he said.

Weblink: www.chrismolemp.org.uk

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