New searches begin as mother appeals to killer

Fresh developments in the hunt for person who murdered Emma Caldwell

The mother of a woman murdered 12 years ago has said she grieves for her daughter every day as police revealed new developments in the search for her killer.

Emma Caldwell, 27, was found dead in woods near Biggar, South Lanarkshire, in May 2005.

The Crown Office asked Police Scotland to reinvestigate the unsolved case in 2015 after the original investigation failed to bring the killer to justice.

Yesterday, exactly 12 years since Ms Caldwell was last seen alive, police revealed they are carrying out searches near where her body was found, and are investigating a potential new sighting of her on the day she disappeared.

Ms Caldwell’s mother, Margaret, urged anyone with information to contact police as she spoke at a press conference in East Kilbride.

She said: “I think of Emma every day and every day I grieve for her. As a mother I know my pain will never come to an end but I am here to make a direct appeal to those who know or suspect they know who the killer is.

“As long as the killer is still out there another life could very well be in danger. If you are the one who took Emma’s life then I ask you to come forward.”

Detective Superintendent David McLaren said the investigation is entering a “really crucial phase”.

Police have now identified a wooded area at Roberton, near Biggar, where detailed forensic searches will be carried out in the hope of recovering items belonging to Ms Caldwell, whose clothing was never found. Officers will carry out a fingertip search while a marine unit examines a pond.

Pictures: PA. Police carrying out forensic searches at a wooded area near Biggar as they look for clues in an effort to solve the murder of Emma Caldwell, right.