The Ipswich Evening Star has offered to pay for forensic testing of evidence that could help catch a killer.

A sample of vomit found on the body of Karen Hales in 1993 has not been DNA-tested for at least three years.

And the Star thinks the very latest techniques might unlock the key to identifying her murderer.

The newspaper has pledged to pay the £1,000 fee – and is urging the police to send the sample off for testing.

Crime reporter Tracey Sparling said: “If our testing of the sample reveals DNA, it could lead to the identity of the person who was the last to see the 21-year-old Ipswich mother alive.

“No clues could be found on the sample at the time of the original investigation, but as the years have rolled by, forensic technology has moved on in leaps and bounds.”

The investigation has already ruled out the possibility that the vomit could be from the victim herself, as none was found in her mouth or nose.

The Star has written to Suffolk Police chiefs asking that the evidence is made available for the test but the force has yet to decide if it will comply.

A spokesman told the paper the request was being considered.

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