Tania friend: My anguish

AN Ipswich massage parlour worker has today told how she tried to persuade Tania Nicol to stop working the streets just weeks before her disappearance.

The woman, who works at Angels in Woodbridge Road but did not wish to be named, said: “I knew Tania quite well as I used to have Christmas dinner with her and her mum in the past.

“I last saw her about a week before she went missing and I tried to get her to stop working the streets. I asked her how she could just get in a car with strangers.

“I think even if I was really desperate I wouldn't be able to do that.

“She was such a tiny girl but she had a real feistiness to her and I know how dangerous it is for girls out there. I've learnt the hard way.

She added: “I feel really cut up about this. I've been praying for her and hoping she survives.”

The woman said her thoughts are with Miss Nicol's mother.

She said: “She was a single mum bringing up her children the best she could.

“I would not wish this on anybody.

“I never thought I would grow up to be a prostitute but the reality is that it does go on and people are too quick to judge.”

She also expressed fears that the killer could still be on the streets.

She said: “I think I speak for all the girls here when I say we will still be scared until we know this person has been caught.

“I'm definitely very worried for the girls that are still out there. They are getting younger every day.”