Fears grow as second prostitute declared missing

Prostitutes in Ipswich are being told to stay off the streets as a second woman was declared missing today.

Fears are now growing that a serial killer may have murdered five sex workers.

Annette Nicholls, 29, has not been seen since Monday December 4. She was reported missing by her family.

Two prostitutes have been found murdered in the past 10 days, the body of a third is being examined and now two others are missing.

Gemma Adams, 25, of Ipswich, vanished in the early hours of November 15. Her naked body was found in a stream at nearby Hintlesham on December 2.

Tania Nicol, 19, also of Ipswich, disappeared on October 30. Her naked body was found in a pond at nearby Copdock on December 8.

A third prostitute - a woman in her 20s, not yet named by police - was found dead in a wood at nearby Nacton on Sunday. She was also naked.

Police said they are very concerned for Paula Clennell, 24, who has not been seen since late on Saturday.

Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull, who is heading the inquiry, said police might be looking for a serial killer.

"It is possible," he said. "We are keeping an open mind."

Police have moved the body found at Nacton from woodland where it was spotted by a motorist.

Officers have not yet named the third dead woman, but Mr Gull said she had worked as a prostitute in Ipswich and was thought to be 24.