Police chief to add 50 officers to Soham Investigation

In an attempt to stave off the mounting personal criticism, Humberside police chief David Westwood this morning promised an additional 50 police officers to be redirected to the investigation of the murder of schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Before a confused press pack the chief constable promising to "find the culprit at large" and vowed to "leave no stone unturned."

"The officers will be deployed in the Soham village and surrounding area, conducting house to house enquires and forensic tests," he confidently began. "I hope the public will help us in this time such that a speedy and proper end can be reached for what have been several days of heartache for those concerned."

Pointing to what he saw as recent developments in the investigation he added, "We have successfully traced a key suspect, known as prisoner B1134 (College Road Junction), who we are holding awaiting charge. They are unable to give a reasonable explanation for being seen in the area at the time and are refusing to speak further without a member of highways maintenance present.

Although Mr. Westwood had said at the start of the investigation "We are already closing the net around Soham" this course of action was quickly abandoned after a large number of farm animals and debris became trapped in the 20 mile long net.

The news comes after David Blunkett's call for the chief to resign following Sir Michael Bichard's report on police procedures. Speaking this morning Mr. Westwood refused to resign, saying, "We can start laying blame when the situation is over, but what we need to now is find those girls."

Mr. Westwood was informed this afternoon by a junior member of staff that Ian Huntley had been arrested and charged and was currently serving a sentence at Wakefield prison. To the relief of motorists in the area, police immediately released prisoner B1134.

On receiving a transcript of Mr. Blunkett's parliament speech he said, "As chief constable I would like to welcome his comments regarding the enquiry. Now gentlemen, if you will excuse us we must go and hear the findings of the report."

Sorry David, when ya gotta go, ya gotta go.

24th June 2004

This site contains links and advertisements to sites that may contain sexually explicit material. We do not endorse any of the links and are not responsible for their content. Persons under the age of 18 (21 in some areas) or persons that are offended by such material should leave now. Entering this site means that you understand and accept responsibility for your own actions.