Police investigate new leads in Mary-Ann murder

Police are continuing to question a fifth man in connection with the murder of 16-year-old Mary-Ann Leneghan and the serious assault of her 18-year-old friend in Reading at the weekend.

Police said that the man, who is in his twenties and from London, was arrested in the capital yesterday lunchtime. He remains in custody.

Four other men who were also arrested have been released on bail.

As part of the investigation into the case, police have also begun to search a flat in Oxford Road in Reading. Police said that inquiries revealed that the address had a possible link to the events of the weekend, but said that no one was at the property and no arrests have been made.

Mary-Ann and her friend are believed to have been forced into a car, with a gang of up to six men, in a pub car park in Reading on Friday night. They were taken to a local guesthouse, where both girls are believed to have been both sexually and physically assaulted, before being taken to Prospect Park. Mary-Ann’s friend managed to escape from the park and flag down a passer-by. She survived the attack in spite of suffering a gunshot wound and is currently in hospital, where she is described as being seriously ill. She is continuing to help police with their inquiries.

Mary-Ann’s body was found in Prospect Park around 5:30am on Saturday morning. A post-mortem revealed that she died from a stab wound to the neck.

Police have confirmed that a third girl was in the vehicle with Mary-Ann and her friend before they entered the maroon or burgundy car. Police say that the girl was “in no way” involved in the incident and was not attacked. Police confirmed that they had spoken to her and said she is being treated as a witness.

Police also said that they had recovered a blue Mercedes for forensic examination. A member of the public had reported seeing it being pushed into the river at Brigham Road, Caversham. However, police do not believe that it is linked to the murder, but said, “in light of the incident, all such incidents must be treated with caution”.

Police have also said that they are looking into a suspected arson attack, which took place at the home of Mary-Ann’s friend, who survived the attack, to see if it is connected to the events at the weekend.

Detective Superintendent Mark Warwick, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “This crime is one of the most horrendous I have seen. It has shocked and stunned all officers who have been involved.

“An incident of this nature is bound to send shockwaves in the community and, with that, comes speculation, rumour and gossip. Everyone has their own opinion of what happened and why.

“We are just as keen to get to the bottom of what happened to the girls and why as everyone else in this town.

“Justice for the girls and their family is our number one focus and it will not help our inquiry for us to be drawn into speculation about the reason behind this horrific incident.”

(KMcA)