DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a Norwich sex worker today said there was no evidence linking Ipswich serial killer Steve Wright to the crime.

Norfolk police spoke out following claims by leading criminologist Professor David Wilson that the 54-year-old – currently serving life imprisonment for killing five women – must have murdered before his spree in late 2006.

Prof Wilson, speaking in on a documentary entitled Killers Behind Bars: The Untold Story, to be aired on Channel 5 tonight at 8pm, has called on police to reopen the case of at least one woman, 22-year-old prostitute Michelle Bettles, who was strangled.

Her body was found in woodland near Dereham in March 2002 – in similar circumstances to the five Ipswich deaths.

His views were yesterday supported by Wright’s father, Conrad, who said it was possible his son was responsible for unsolved murders.

But a Norfolk police statement rejected the suggestion.

“Since his conviction, Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have carried out extensive enquiries into the activities of Steven Wright prior to the offences for which he has was imprisoned.

“There is no evidence to link him to the death of Michelle Bettles.

“The case into the disappearance and murder of Michelle Bettles remains an open and live enquiry.

“As such it is subject to regular review, which includes the re-examination of forensic exhibits and enquiries being made into any new information that is brought to our notice.

“We remain in touch with the Bettles family and, as is the case with all cold cases, we will update them if and when we have any significant news.

“Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”