10/05/2005

Fifth man arrested in Reading murder

Police have confirmed that a fifth man has been arrested in the investigation into the murder of 16-year-old Mary-Ann Leneghan.

A man in his twenties who was arrested yesterday has been released on bail. Three other men who were arrested on Saturday have also been released on bail.

Mary-Ann died in the early hours of Saturday morning, after being subjected to a terrifying ordeal, which included sexual assault. Her body was found in Prospect Park in Reading around 5:30am on Saturday morning. A post mortem revealed that she died from a stab wound to the neck.

Mary-Ann’s 18-year-old friend, who was also the victim of a sexual and physical attack, managed to escape from the park and flag down a passer-by. She is still reportedly seriously ill in hospital and suffered a gunshot wound in the attack.

Police believe that the girls were forced into a maroon or burgundy coloured car with a group of up to six men and taken to a local guest house, where they were subjected to physical and sexual assaults before being taken to Prospect Park.

A police spokesperson said that the girls had suffered a “disgusting ordeal”.

Superintendent Dilip Amin, police area commander for Reading told reporters that he did not believe the attack on the two girls was random. He also confirmed that the 18-year-old girl was helping police working on the investigation, even though she was still “very ill” from the injuries she had received.

Tony and Paul Harris, two of Mary-Ann’s uncles, delivered a press conference today, describing what a “bubbly and happy go lucky girl” she was. Tony said: “She did not deserve what happened to her. Nothing can justify the horrendous attack on Mary-Ann and her friend. We would appeal directly to people who have information to come forward, for the sake of Mary Ann. We believe there are people out there who know exactly what happened and why and we need these people to come forward.”

The Victims of Crime Trust have also announced that they are offering a £5,000 reward for information regarding the case. It will be added to the £10,000, which has been offered by Thames Valley Police.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Reading police station on: 0845 8505505, Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 1111 or the Victims of Crime Trust on: 0871 8428467.

(KMcA/SP)

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