BRAVE victims who suffered at the hands of killer Alan Edwards have been thanked for their courage throughout the trial into Susan Waring’s murder.

In a statement released after sentencing, Det Ch Insp Pauline Stables from Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team described Edwards as a ‘violent man’ who was a ‘danger’ to the women in his life.

Throughout the course of the trial women who had previously been in a relationship with the killer gave evidence about the trauma the suffered at his hands.

DCI Stables said: “I must commend and pay tribute to all of Edwards’ other victims for coming forward and sharing their traumatic experiences with us. They have shown real courage, particularly considering that some of them are still frightened of him to this day, such is the fear he has instilled into them.

“I would like to reassure anyone who is in an abusive or coercive relationship – be that mental, physical, financial or sexual - that there is help out there and you can get out the terrible situation that you are in to the safety you need and deserve. We as the police can take reports or you can seek the help of many groups and charities out there who can offer you support.

“Finally, I would like to thank the dedicated team of detectives and wider staff of Lancashire Constabulary - from search teams to forensic scientists - for their tireless search for Susan and for the professional and meticulous investigation which has resulted in this successful prosecution.”