The attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, has asked the media to "exercise restraint" in reporting the Ipswich murders investigation.
In an operational note to editors issued today, the attorney general said the wide media and public interest in the Suffolk police force's investigation of the murder of five women in the Ipswich area was "wholly understandable".
However, he warned the media to avoid coverage that might impede or prejudice the police investigation, or prejudice any potential prosecutions.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering the five women and are being questioned by police.
"The wide media and public interest in this police investigation is wholly understandable. However, in view of the concerns that some coverage may impede the police investigations, the attorney general asks all parties to exercise restraint in their reporting," Lord Goldsmith said in the note.
"Editors must avoid the publication of materials which may impede or prejudice the complex and ongoing investigations by the police and avoid the risk of prejudicing potential prosecutions or prejudging their outcome," he added.
"Depending on the circumstances and information, this could include speculation or information relating to suspects' connections or other activities, or details of their background. In particular, the attorney general urges all parties to take note of the risks in publishing material that asserts or assumes, expressly or implicitly, the guilt of any individual."
The attorney general also noted that Suffolk constabulary had expressed concern that some media coverage was hindering their ongoing investigation of the murders.
Alastair McWhirter, the Suffolk chief constable, wrote to editors earlier this week advising them to exercise caution in identifying any individuals involved in its investigation into the murder of five women in Ipswich, despite nearly every major news outlet naming both men who are under arrest.
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