A second man was arrested today over the murders of five women in Ipswich in a move police described as "significant".
The naked bodies of the five prostitutes were found near villages south of Ipswich during a ten-day period earlier this month.
The man (48) was arrested at his home in the Suffolk town at around 5am on suspicion of murdering all five women. Polcice said the man was being held on suspicion of killing all five women.
Detectives were tonight granted a further 36 hours to question Tom Stephens (37), who was arrested at his home in nearby Trimley St Martin early yesterday.
Gemma Adams (25) was found in a stream at Hintlesham on December 2nd; Tania Nicol (19) was discovered in the same stream at Copdock on December 8th; Anneli Alderton (24) was discovered in woods at Nacton on December 10th; and Paula Clennell (24) and Annette Nicholls (29) were found in woods at Levington on December 12th.
Police said Ms Alderton was strangled and that Ms Clennell died as a result of "compression" to the neck. They say the cause of death of the other three women is unclear and toxicology tests are being carried out. Detectives said none of the women was seriously sexually assaulted.
As the arrest was announced today, police were beginning to search a house in the red light area of Ipswich. A long stretch of London Road was cordoned off where a large white tent had been erected outside Number 79.
Police loaded a dark blue Ford Mondeo on to a transporter as officers dressed in white forensic suits began the search for evidence.
Forensic teams spent most of yesterday at the home of supermarket worker Mr Stephens He is a former police special constable in Norfolk and has also worked as a taxi driver.
PA