Emma Caldwell Murder Appeal

[27th June 2005]

Crimestoppers Scotland offers reward in murder hunt.

A reward of £10,000 has been offered to anyone who can help track down the killer of Glasgow woman Emma Caldwell.

The body of the 27-year-old prostitute was discovered in a wooded area near Biggar, South Lanarkshire, in May.

She was last seen on the night of 4th of April walking in Butterbiggins Road, in the Govanhill area of Glasgow.

The reward has been offered by Crimestoppers, which has urged one person who has called with information several times to call again.

Detective Superintendent Willie Johnston, who is leading the investigation, said the public response has been "heartening". He added: "It is reassuring that Crimestoppers has offered this reward and I hope that it may persuade someone who has information to contact the police."

Crimestoppers national co-ordinator, Inspector Gregor Campbell, said: "The purpose of Crimestoppers is to assist police forces detect crimes by encouraging members of the public to come forward with information with the cast iron guarantee of anonymity."

"The Crimestoppers mantra is just tell us what you know not who you are and we have tried and tested processes in place to ensure the anonymity of callers, even when a reward has been authorised."

"I am hopeful that the offer of an enhanced reward by Crimestoppers will assist Strathclyde Police in attempting to solve the murder of Emma Caldwell."

Family grief

Mr Campbell said one caller could prove crucial to the inquiry.

He said: "A member of the public has phoned Crimestoppers a number of times regarding an individual and has also spoken to an officer who is involved in this investigation. I would urge that person to phone again."

Emma's family have also urged anyone with information about her death to contact the police immediately. Emma had become a heroin addict following the death of her sister some years before and was working as a prostitute on the streets of Glasgow.

Calls can be made to the incident room at Cathcart Police Office on 0141 532 4943 or by phoning Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.