Thomas, 12, may have known killer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Detectives were yesterday investigating the possibility that schoolboy Thomas Marshall may have known his killer. Police said they were following "genuine lines of inquiry" and thought the key to the case might lie in or near Thomas's home village of Happisburgh, Norfolk. But a spokesman stressed that police were keeping an open mind about the killing - including the possibility that Thomas, 12, may have been abducted by a paedophile.
Thomas disappeared from his home at around 6pm on Thursday. His body was discovered 50 miles away in a picnic area off the A11 near Thetford a day later. He had been strangled. His mountain bike was found lying by a road at East Ruston, about four miles from his home. Thomas had told his parents, John and Carol, that he was going to visit a friend in Eccles. But they were told that he had never arrived. Detective Superintendent Les Parrett, who is leading the investigation, said officers were trying to locate as many of Thomas's friends and associates as possible. They were also considering the possibility that the killer had dumped Thomas's bike and taken his body to Thetford to lay a false trail.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments