A MAJOR investigation into a number of alleged violent and sexual crimes has been launched by police re-examining the unsolved murder of Emma Caldwell.
The 27-year-old, from Erskine, Renfrewshire, was working as a prostitute at the time of her death. Her body was found in May 2005 in woods in Lanarkshire.
The new police inquiry will look at scores of alleged crimes which have emerged after a re-examination of the statements given during the original murder probe.
“We are currently investigating a number of potential reports of criminality of a violent and sexual nature,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal.
“These have been highlighted following the reinvestigation of the murder of Emma Caldwell.
“We understand that people may be reluctant to contact the police, however all victims will be treated with the utmost respect and advocacy and support services are at hand to assist with police engagement.
“This is an ongoing investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
It is understood that a number of the potential crimes occurred within Glasgow’s red light district with some dating as far back as the 1970s.
The new inquiry has been welcomed by Rape Crisis Scotland who said they hoped the move would deter future attacks on sex workers.
“It’s vital these women have confidence in the police to investigate attacks on them in the same way they would investigate assaults on other women,” said Sandy Brindley of Rape Crisis Scotland.
“In the past sex workers may have believed that such attacks wouldn’t be taken seriously by the authorities because of who they are and what they do for a living. Now they know that is not the case and that is to be welcomed.”
Caldwell’s mother Margaret said she hoped the move would deliver justice for others.
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