YORK MURDER: Update on investigation

POLICE leading the York murder investigation have urged the public to help them work out where the victims were in the hours before the attack and to trace where the killer went afterwards.

Nicole Selena Waterhouse, 32, was killed and Karen Browne, 23, was badly injured in what police now say was a "sustained attack" in Phoenix Boulevard off Leeman Road on Sunday night.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on Monday morning in Peter Lane, off Market Street, and police have been given until midnight tonight to question him, before they must charge him or bail him.

Police have this afternoon released pictures of both victims, in an attempt to establish their movements in the 12 hours before the attack. Miss Browne remains too ill to be interviewed.

They want to hear from anyone who saw the women between 7am on Sunday and 7.30pm, when they were found. They are also trying to track the movements of the killer.

They believe the man was in or around Coney Street between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday, wearing a green Barbour-type jacket. He is 25 and is described as white with short light brown hair, over 6ft tall and athletic build.

The area around the property where the attack happened remains cordoned off while police carry out meticulous forensic searches. Police have also searched around Bootham and Museum Gardens, using a specialist search dog. The killer's blood-stained clothes and possible weapons have yet to be found.

The victims' phones are also missing - a white Samsung Galaxy in a pink cover and a white iPhone.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, of North Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit, said: “Both girls suffered multiple serious injuries and the attack must have been a sustained one. Clearly Nicole died from her injuries and Karen is critically ill in hospital.

“Detectives will be guided by medical staff as to the appropriate time to speak with Karen.

“To assist this investigation we appeal to anybody who can assist us with both girl’s movements during Sunday from approximately 7am through to the time they were discovered at approximately 7.30pm. If you were with either or both of them and can assist us piece together where they have been during these hours, it is essential that you come forward.

“The suspect responsible must have been heavily bloodstained. He may have changed his clothing at the scene or got changed sometime later and then discarded the clothing. This we simply don’t know yet but ongoing forensic examinations in place. We are still looking for the weapon or weapons used.

“However we do believe the suspect has been in the vicinity of Coney Street between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday evening and was in a green Barbour type jacket. He is 25 years of age and is described as white with short light brown hair, over 6ft tall and athletic build.

“We are also still searching for mobile phones belonging to the victims and suspect. These are a white Samsung Galaxy phone in a pink slip cover and a white iPhone.

“Again therefore, we appeal to the public for their help; Did you see a man as described with bloodstained clothing and shoes; have you found any blood stained clothing; and, have you found any phones similar to those in the street?”

Local reports suggested one of the women had suffered what appeared to be knife wounds to her shoulders, but North Yorkshire Police could not confirm this.

However, a spokesman confirmed a weapon or weapons were involved in the attack, and have not yet been found.

Can you help? Phone North Yorkshire Police's Major Crime Unit on 101, email majorcrimeunit@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511. Quote reference number 12130182574 when passing on information.