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23/04/2003
Police 'one step away' from Longhurst's murderer
Police have said today that they are "just one step away" from catching the person who killed schoolteacher Jane Longhurst after she went missing in the south east of England last month.
Sussex Police confirmed that a number of items recovered from the scene where Ms Longhurst's body was found on Saturday evening could represent a "significant breakthrough in the hunt for her killer".
A match, a box of matches and Jane's watch have all been sent for forensic tests to be carried out after they were discovered around the scene in Wiggonholt Common, near Pulborough, Sussex, by specialist police search teams.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who is leading the police enquiry, said: "We believe we are now just one step behind the person who did this. The items discovered at the scene could be a significant breakthrough. All of them were found around the area where Jane was set on fire - it may be that they have nothing to do with the enquiry but they could also provide vital clues as to who her killer is."
Police say that it is "most likely" that Jane knew her attacker, as between 70% to 80% of murders are carried out by people who are known to the victim, but they have not ruled out the possibility that she was killed by a stranger.
Over 100 calls have now been made to Sussex Police, and the main focus of the appeal still remains at the scene where her body was found.
DCI Dennis also appealed directly to the murderer, saying: "If you are Jane’s killer then please come forward now and speak to us - we want to hear from you and find out what has happened. This is the chance to tell us."
(GMcG)
Sussex Police confirmed that a number of items recovered from the scene where Ms Longhurst's body was found on Saturday evening could represent a "significant breakthrough in the hunt for her killer".
A match, a box of matches and Jane's watch have all been sent for forensic tests to be carried out after they were discovered around the scene in Wiggonholt Common, near Pulborough, Sussex, by specialist police search teams.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who is leading the police enquiry, said: "We believe we are now just one step behind the person who did this. The items discovered at the scene could be a significant breakthrough. All of them were found around the area where Jane was set on fire - it may be that they have nothing to do with the enquiry but they could also provide vital clues as to who her killer is."
Police say that it is "most likely" that Jane knew her attacker, as between 70% to 80% of murders are carried out by people who are known to the victim, but they have not ruled out the possibility that she was killed by a stranger.
Over 100 calls have now been made to Sussex Police, and the main focus of the appeal still remains at the scene where her body was found.
DCI Dennis also appealed directly to the murderer, saying: "If you are Jane’s killer then please come forward now and speak to us - we want to hear from you and find out what has happened. This is the chance to tell us."
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
