Thousands sign petition to keep killer behind bars

The family of a 15-year-old girl who was killed by Colin Pitchfork in Leicestershire say their petition to stop him being released has reached their target of 15,000 signatures.

Lynda Mann died in 1983.

Pitchfork was jailed 27 years ago for the rape and murder of her and Dawn Ashworth, also 15, and his 28-year minimum sentence is due to come to an end over the next 12 months.

He was the first person to be convicted using DNA evidence when 5,000 men in Enderby were asked to volunteer blood and saliva as part of the investigation.

A parole board will assess Colin PItchfork's state of mind and conduct in prison before deciding if can can be safely released in the next 12 months.