RETIRED detectives have volunteered their expertise to help catch Suffolk's serial killer.Former police officers have been drafted in to assist with the force's unprecedented inquiry into the deaths of Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Annelie Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

RETIRED detectives have volunteered their expertise to help catch Suffolk's serial killer.

Former police officers have been drafted in to assist with the force's unprecedented inquiry into the deaths of Tania Nicol, Gemma Adams, Annelie Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

Suffolk police has already called in officers from 31 other forces to assist in the manhunt and are now drawing on the expertise of their former colleagues.

A spokeswoman for the force said: “We have had lots of people contact us, including retired officers, officers from the special constabulary and other volunteers, who have offered to assist.

“They are doing what they can to help and are assisting with a number of tasks.”

She said the officers would not be able to carry out detective work as they were no longer serving police officers but they are thought to be helping sift through paperwork and view CCTV.

They will also be able to offer their knowledge and experience to serving police staff.

Those working on the case are thought to include some of the highest ranked former detectives, who have previously led murder investigations.

Police could not confirm how many retired officers are working on the case as they are being called in as and when they are needed.

It is also not known if the retired officers are only from Suffolk or if they are being called in from other counties.

At present 267 officers from outside forces are working on the inquiry.