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Police renew appeal for 1993 murder of Karen Hales on BBC Crimewatch

News

Suffolk Police have renewed their appeal for information about the unsolved murder of Karen Hales in 1993. The case was featured on BBC's Crimewatch Live as investigators revealed new details about the suspects.

What's new: Police have disclosed that three declared suspects for the murder have died, hoping this information will encourage people to come forward without fear of repercussions.

Why it matters: The brutal killing of 21-year-old Karen Hales in her Ipswich home remains unsolved after nearly 31 years, leaving her family without closure.

Karen Hales
Karen HalesSuffolk Police

The details:

  • Karen was found stabbed to death and set on fire in her kitchen on 21 November 1993

  • Her 18-month-old daughter was in the house but unharmed

  • The case was featured on BBC Crimewatch Live on 9 October 2024

  • Police interviewed over 400 motorists and followed up more than 1,400 lines of enquiry at the time

What they're saying: Andy Guy, Major Crime Review and Unsolved Case Team Manager, said: "Despite the passage of time, the effects of this senseless murder are still very much felt by Karen's family – in particular her parents who had to endure the unimaginable trauma of discovering the crime scene."

Between the lines: By revealing the death of key suspects, police hope to remove barriers for potential witnesses who may have been afraid to come forward previously.

The bottom line: Investigators urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Unsolved Case Team or Crimestoppers anonymously.

How to help:

Where have the boats gone? Ipswich Marina empties ahead of contentious £2m upgrade

News

Dozens of boats are disappearing from their long-term berths at Ipswich Marina as owners scramble to find new moorings within a two-week deadline. The relocations come as Associated British Ports (ABP) prepares to begin a £2m upgrade of the northern side pontoons.

Why it matters: The exodus of 39 vessels marks a significant change for the waterfront landscape, temporarily altering the character of one of Ipswich's most distinctive areas.

The big picture: ABP says the existing pontoons on the northern side have reached the end of their "usable life", necessitating urgent relocations ahead of the winter period. The company plans to create new pontoons in front of Coprolite Street and the main university building.

Port of Ipswich in Ipswich
The exodus of boats makes for strange viewing at the waterfrontOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • 39 boats need to relocate

  • £2m investment approved by ABP's board

  • 2 weeks given for vessels to move

  • 11 years some boat owners have been moored at the marina

What's happening: While some vessels will move to the opposite side of the wet dock, others may leave Ipswich entirely as the marina's established community faces disruption during the redevelopment.

Behind the scenes: The revised plans, submitted in July, followed compromises ABP says it made with boat owners. The company is now awaiting approval from Ipswich Borough Council, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

What they're saying: ABP's divisional port manager Paul Ager describes the £2m investment as a "strong vote of confidence" in the marina's future. The company says it has received "strong support" for upgrading the berthing facilities.

The bottom line: While the marina temporarily loses its familiar flotilla of vessels, ABP maintains the disruption is necessary for essential safety upgrades. The development marks the latest chapter in the ongoing transformation of Ipswich's waterfront.

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