A FORMER police officer who believes a young woman was horrifically murdered by a notorious killer is set to star in a documentary.

Michael Saunders, 73, from, Colchester will appear in a new ITV series called Yorkshire Ripper: The Secret Murders, which starts this evening.

The two-episode show examines 20 unsolved murders or attempted murders which could potentially be linked back to serial killer Peter Sutcliffe.

Sutcliffe, who died in 2020, was officially convicted of 13 murders, but many believe he may have been responsible for further killings.

Gazette:

ITV’s new documentary series re-examines evidence and features interviews with victims’ relatives and leading experts, such as Mr Saunders.

Mr Saunders was working for Harwich police and relatively new to the force at the time of Alison Morris’ brutal murder in 1979.

The trainee teacher, aged 25, was stabbed multiple times in Ramsey as she walked down a footpath to the River Stour, 250 yards from her home in Wrabness Road.

He helped the CID team with the murder probe but Alison’s killer was never found – Mr Saunders, however, has remained convinced Sutcliffe was behind the killing.

“It is not about me, it is about Alison and I am pleased someone has taken notice because I felt her story had been forgotten,” added the now retired officer.

“I wrote to Sutcliffe myself and asked him if he knew the Harwich area and he said he did because he read about the Ramsey pub siege.

“He had an interest in that and it just so happens that Alison was killed within a quarter of a mile of where that happened.”

Gazette:

For the first time since leaving the force Mr Saunders’ theory regarding Alison’s murder will now gain the mass exposure he has always wanted.

He said: “People keep joking with me I will get a part in EastEnders now but I am looking forward to the idea that something might finally come out of this.

“Someone might watch the show who knows something and they might then come forward, but I understand some people are frightened, and it has been a long time.”

A spokesman for Essex Police added: "On 1 September 1979 Alison Morris, 25, was murdered after going out for a walk.

"She was fatally stabbed as she walked along the B1352 near to Harwich Road in Ramsey, Essex. Her murder remains unsolved.

"As part of our enquiries into this case we did consider whether Peter Sutcliffe may be a possible suspect, however he was ruled out for a number of reasons including his involvement in a crime in Bradford on the same day.

"As with any case that remains unsolved, it is never closed and they are continually reviewed.

"This will include looking at original information and any fresh lines of enquiry, making use of any advances in technology and generating new appeals.

"It's never too late for people to come forward with information.

"If you have information about Alison’s murder contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."