March to remember murdered Ipswich prostitutes

A march is to be held in Ipswich tonight to call for an end to violence and to remember the five prostitutes who were killed in the area.

Organisers say the event will allow people to express their grief after the deaths of Gemma Adams, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell, Annette Nicholls, and Tania Nicol.

The march will start at 7pm and is expected to last around two hours.

It will include a minute's silence, candelit vigil and a march to Handford Road in the town's red-light area.

The organisers of the event, which is entitled Reclaim the Night, say the march will give people the opportunity to remember the women who were killed.

It will also give members of the community the chance to speak out about violence and the courage to walk in public at night.

Rebecca Dale, who is helping to organise the event, said: "There was a huge outpouring of emotion following the deaths of these women, and people have felt very scared, angry and upset.

"We wanted to provide space for people to express these emotions together rather than feel isolated or afraid in their own houses and to encourage people to talk about what has happened."

She added: "This event is about reclaiming public space for women and empowering women to prevent them from feeling afraid to go out at night"

Mrs Dale said the families of the dead women had been invited to attend the event.

At least 100 people are expected to join the march, which is open to all.

Steven Wright, 48, of Ipswich, appeared in court last Friday accused of the murders.

Copyright Press Association 2006.