Retired detectives back on the beat

Forensic science developments mean old cases can now be solved

Unsolved murders and rapes in Essex are to be re-investigated by a specialist team of detectives.

Detective Chief Inspectors Ray Newman and Peter Hamilton have been brought out of retirement to look again at major investigations which have stalled with no convictions.

They will try and solve the so-called 'cold cases' by looking at whether recent forensic techniques could identify offenders.

Recent developments in forensic science have led to criminal convictions years after the original crime.

In December 2000, Stephen Snowden was convicted of raping a 41-year-old woman alongside the A1 near Alconbury in Cambridgeshire in February 1991.

He had been arrested after stealing a bottle of scotch, and police found his DNA matched the sample taken from his victim.

The new team will also review ongoing or 'live' investigations.

Old wounds

Essex Police say that as many of the cases could go back years, they may open old wounds.

Victims and their families will only be approached if the detectives make a significant breakthrough.

Manager of the team, Detective Superintendent Simon Coxall said Essex Police were committed to "providing the highest standards of criminal investigation."

He said: "The team should provide reassurance to families and victims of both new and historical cases that Essex Police will do everything to ensure that perpetrators are caught and justice is done."

A third ex-detective is still to be recruited for the team.

The squad echoes the recent BBC television series 'Waking the Dead', in which actor Trevor Eve leads a team that reviews 'cold' cases.