Clydach suspects freed on police bail

The family's bodies were discovered in their home

Three suspects in the Clydach murder inquiry have been released on police bail.

Ex-policewoman Alison Lewis, her estranged husband, Police Sergeant Steven Lewis, and his twin brother, Inspector Stuart Lewis, must return to a designated South Wales Police station in October

A large crowd had assembled outside Morriston police station on Friday night, before Mrs Lewis, 33, left by car at 0030 BST.

Sgt Steve Lewis, 38, was released from Swansea central police station and driven away in a red CID car.

Murder scene: Investigations will continue

Insp Stuart Lewis - held on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice - was released on bail from Merthyr Tydfil police station.

The three were arrested on Tuesday in connection with the deaths of Doris Dawson, 80, her daughter Mandy Power, 34, and grand-daughters Katie, 10, and Emily, eight.

Police were granted permission by magistrates to continue questioning until the early hours of Saturday morning.

It is understood the three people did not return to their south Wales homes and they are now believed to be at other locations with their families.

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rogers of South Wales Police said the decision to release them on bail followed consultations between the force and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"South Wales Police remain dedicated to this investigation and we are totally committed to bring it to a conclusion

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Rogers

He said investigations into the "tragic case" would continue and that there was much work to be done, including ongoing forensic checks.

He paid tribute to the "unwavering support" received from relatives of the murdered family, who were found battered to death on June 27, 1999, at their home in Kelvin Road.

The police chief renewed his appeal for anyone with information about the four murders in the Swansea village of Clydach to contact his officers.

"The help the public has given us and continues to give us is a vital part of this inquiry," said Asst Ch Const Rogers.

"South Wales Police remain dedicated to this investigation and we are totally committed to bringing it to a conclusion."

Detectives have interviewed more than 3,400 people

The inquiry surrounding the murders is the biggest murder hunt in the history of South Wales police.

In the immediate aftermath, a team of 60 detectives were involved in the hunt for the killer.

They also announced a reward of £30,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the murderer.

Police have taken more than 1,430 statements, visited almost 990 houses, spoken to nearly 2,200 people and received more than 930 messages.

Officers have conducted interviews with more than 3,400 people, and the case has also been featured on BBC's Crimewatch programme.

Officers launched a renewed appeal for information on the anniversary of the murders last week.

The team of detectives has staged reconstructions of events leading up to the murders, issued e-fit descriptions on the internet, has consulted the FBI and has also held a conference of detectives to aid the case.