Prayers held at vigil for murdered prostitutes
Prayers were held at a candlelit vigil tonight for the five murdered prostitutes as well as the person responsible for their deaths.
More than 100 people gathered to light candles in memory of the women whose bodies were all discovered in Suffolk in the last two weeks.
One large candle was lit for each prostitute at St Peter’s Church in Copdock, near Ipswich.
Photographs of Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls were pinned to the church doors and beneath the candles.
Reverend Chris Wingfield, rector of the North Samford Benefice led the prayers, calling for support for the families and friends of those who died.
He said: “We pray for the person or persons who have committed this atrocious crime.
“They are evil acts of weakness. We do not even begin to understand the motives which drive such anger and hatred.
“In the midst of this darkness and horror we ask that you bring your light and understanding to the chaos they have caused.
“Let realisation dawn so that this brutality will cease, let justice prevail.”
Rev Wingfield also prayed for support for the whole community during this “seemingly unending difficult time”.
As the vicar uttered the prayers one man, who could take it no more, left the church crying and dabbing his eyes.
A poem was read out and several hymns were sung.
Each member of the congregation was invited to light a candle in memory of the women who died and pause to reflect on their grief.
None of the families was in church tonight, but several of the girls’ friends turned out to pay their respects.
