Insight into murder case

A LEADING detective involved in a high-profile Suffolk serial killer case attended a Perry Barr university this week to give a talk to students and police officers.

In the third of a series of lectures at Birmingham City University (BCU), in Franchise Street, former Detective Superintendent Roy Lambert spoke of the challenge faced by one of the country's smallest forces in tracking down the murderer of five prostitutes in a six-week period.

Mr Lambert was one of three detectives who led the hunt for Ipswich prostitute killer Steven Wright in 2006. Wright killed the five sex workers between October 30 and December 12, dumping their bodies on the outskirts of the Suffolk town.

The detective explained that DNA evidence had been washed away from three bodies discovered in water but the two that had not provided evidence that led to Wright's arrest and conviction.

Nick Howe, senior lecturer in Criminal Investigation at BCU, said: "Roy spoke about how investigating a murder at a force such as Suffolk Constabulary with just 1,300 officers has a major impact on the force.

"Hundreds of officers were working on five murder investigations.

"The DNA evidence was key as Wright to this day has never spoken to the police. His motive is not known.

"We have had feedback from the officers and the students who said the talk was brilliant.

"Roy's experience of the risk-taking and decision-making required was invaluable."

The final talk in this criminal investigation series will take place in March when a detective involved in the Soham murder investigation involving Ian Huntley will visit BCU.