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DNA search for Preston strangler

1/ 8/2002

LANCASHIRE Police are planning widespread DNA testing among Asian men in a bid to catch the killer of a nine-year-old schoolboy.

The partially clothed body of Imraan Ismail Vohra was found in a Preston park 17-years-ago. He had been sexually assaulted and strangled. Now police hope new DNA testing techniques could lead them to Imraan's killer. They have already tested 90 men including one prime suspect who was ruled out of the inquiry as a result. If nothing emerges from these tests detective reviewing the case will launch a wider testing programme.

Detective Inspector Joe Kellett said no-one so far has refused to provide a sample which is obtained by rubbing a swab on the inside of cheek of the subject.

He said: "Those we tested were likely to have had some contact with Imraan, been in the Frenchwood or Avenham area on the date he went missing or been a significant person in his life. We are continuing to review the documentation in connection with the case. If the 90 samples do not produce a hit we are likely to widen the scope of the inquiry and extend the screening programme."

Imraan was last seen alive at 3.25pm on 11 July outside his school. Asked if he was going home he replied that he was "waiting for someone". A young girl remembered that an Asian male shouted to Imraan from across the street and that Imraan ran across to him.

Volunteers launched searches for the boy and found his body two days later in a clearing in woods at Avenham Park, Preston. Police called on the man who shouted to Imraan to step forward and put out a photofit picture of him but there was no response.

Said Inspector Kellett: "This was a horrible and cruel murder that Imraan's parents still grieve over. It has marked their lives with sorrow and pain. We are determined to continue our investigation."

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01772 209209 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.