TV boost in hunt for Emma killer
DETECTIVES FOLLOW FRESH LEADS New calls after mum’s Crimewatch appeal
Lynn McPherson A Crimewatch appeal by Emma Caldwell’s mum prompted new cal l e rs to come forward with information.
Ma rga ret Ca ldwel l appeared on the BBC show last Monday.
The body of Emma, 27, was discovered in Roberton woods , nea r Big ga r, Lanarkshire, in May 2005, a month after she was last seen alive.
Detect ive Superintendent David McLaren, the investigation’s senior officer, also appealed for help on the Crimewatch Roadshow, screened live from Cardiff.
Pol ice Scotland are considering potential new leads after officers received six calls.
A spokeswoman said: “Crimewatch received a number of calls following the appeal for information in relation to the investigation of Emma Caldwell’s murder. “Information from these calls has been passed to the investigation team.” Emma was involved in prostitution towards the end of her life. Four men were arrested over her death in 2007 but the case later collapsed. On t h e 10 t h anniversary of her death, the Sunday Mail revealed the identity of forgotten suspect Iain Packer. During police interviews, he said he had taken Emma to the remote spot where her body was found on six occasions.
But the probe into him was dropped and no charges were brought. His family have denied he was involved.
After our revelation, the Lord Advocate ordered police to reopen the investigation.
Mum Margaret appeared on Crimewatch and warned that Emma’s killer could strike again. She said: “I need this person to be found.
“I need him to tell me why he would take my daughter’s life. We miss her so much.
“Someone please come forward – that’s all we need. This man is a danger to other women. He must be found. He must be brought to justice.”
The Sunday Ma i l revealed in April how new DNA analysis techniques had identified the profile of a male on samples taken from Emma’s body.
It also emerged that police were investigating serious sex assaults linked to the inquiry, including at least one at Roberton.