Detectives hunting the killer of five Ipswich prostitutes are entering a crucial period in their investigations.Police must charge or release first suspect Tom Stephens by 7.20am on Friday morning, and second suspect Steve Wright by 5am Saturday.

Detectives hunting the killer of five Ipswich prostitutes are entering a crucial period in their investigations.

Police have until just after 7.20am on Friday to charge, release or bail murder suspect Tom Stephens, of Jubilee Close, Trimley St Martin.

Successful applications to a court means the police have now been given a total of 96 hours to question the 37-year-old, the maximum amount of time allowable.

Stephens was arrested on Monday on suspicion of murdering Tania Nicol, 19, Gemma Adams, 25, Annelie Alderton, 24, Paula Clennell, 24, and Annette Nicholls, 29.

A second man, Steve Wright, 48, of London Road, Ipswich was arrested at around 5am on Tuesday morning, also on suspicion of murdering the five women.

Police were granted one 48-hour extension to question Wright until 5am tomorrow, and have now also be given another 24-hour period, taking the deadline to 5am on Saturday.

Forensic teams have been working at both men's homes throughout the day, with scaffolding and shielding put up outside Wright's bedsit to help secure the site.

Door to door inquiries were also taking place in the area.

The Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, also intervened in the case today, warning media organisations not to jeopardise the police investigations or any potential court cases.

Lord Goldsmith's comments follow two warnings from Suffolk chief constable Alastair McWhirter.