Scottish Daily Mail

Emma suspect named by police in new report

- By Annie Butterwort­h

POLICE investigat­ing the murder of Emma Caldwell have named a suspect in new documents submitted to prosecutor­s more than 13 years after her death.

Detective Chief Superinten­dent David McLaren delivered the dossier to the Crown Office after Police Scotland was ordered to reopen the investigat­ion.

Miss Caldwell, 27, had been working as a prostitute when her body was found in woods near Roberton, Lanarkshir­e, in 2005, but the case has remained unsolved.

The force was told to begin a new inquiry in June 2015, codenamed Operation Bynum, by then Lord Advocate Frank Mullhollan­d after newspaper reports claimed those in charge of the original investigat­ion had failed to pursue a potential suspect.

During interviews, it was revealed the man had taken police to a secluded area where Miss Caldwell’s body was found.

The newly submitted report will be considered by prosecutor­s at the Crown Office, who will advise police on the next step.

Mr McLaren told the Sunday Post: ‘The Lord Advocate instructed a full review of the Emma Caldwell murder inquiry in 2015 and since then a dedicated team of detectives has undertaken a significan­t amount of work reinvestig­ating the case. ‘This week we have submitted a report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service [COPFS] summarisin­g the previous investigat­ion into Emma’s death and also presenting the findings, so far, of the reinvestig­ation.

‘I would like to stress, though, that the case remains open and detectives continue to investigat­e Emma’s murder.

‘We have asked the COPFS to consider this detailed report and give direction on what further action should be taken.

‘I would also urge anyone with informatio­n about the case to come forward.’

Since the case reopened, officers have interviewe­d more than 170 persons of interest.

In 2007, four Turkish men were charged with Miss Cald-

‘We have waited long enough’

well’s murder but the case against them collapsed.

Her mother Margaret said: ‘It has been more than 13 years since my daughter was murdered and three years since the police were ordered to reopen their investigat­ion.

‘Since Emma’s death, I have lost my husband William, who died without seeing justice for our daughter. We have waited long enough to see justice.’

A Crown Office spokesman said: ‘We have received a request from Police Scotland for advice and direction concerning the ongoing investigat­ion into the murder of Emma Caldwell.

‘As this remains a live investigat­ion, it would not be appropriat­e to comment further.’

 ??  ?? Killed: Emma Caldwell
Killed: Emma Caldwell

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom