Detectives hunting the killer of five Suffolk prostitutes have arrested a man.The 37-year-old was arrested at his home in Trimley, near Felixstowe, on suspicion of murdering all five victims, Det Chief Supt Stewart Gull said.

Detectives hunting the killer of five Suffolk prostitutes have arrested a man.

The man is believed to be 37-year-old supermarket worker Tom Stephens - who insisted he was innocent in an interview with a Sunday newspaper.

He was arrested at his home in Trimley, near Felixstowe, on suspicion of murdering all five victims, Det Chief Supt Stewart Gull said.

Suffolk police brought their daily news conference forward this morning to make the announcement but declined to answer any further questions.

It comes after officers released CCTV footage of victim Anneli Alderton and warned neighbouring forces to be on their guard amid fears that the serial killer could move to other towns and cities, including Norwich.

The full statement read out by Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Gull was as follows:

“Detectives investigating the murder of five women in the Ipswich area have today arrested a man.

“The 37-year-old man was arrested at his home address in Trimley, near Felixstowe, at approximately 7.20am this morning.

“He has been arrested on suspicion of murdering all five women, Gemma Adams, Tania Nicol, Anneli Alderton, Paula Clennell and Annette Nicholls.

“The man is currently in custody at a police station in Suffolk where he will be questioned about the deaths later today.

“We will not be naming the police station where the man is being held.

“As legal proceedings are now active, Suffolk Police will not be issuing further comments or appeals at this stage.”