Irene Richardson - Yorkshire Ripper Victim
Irene Richardson, who was believed to be an active prostitute, was murdered on a playing field in Roundhay, Leeds, by Peter Sutcliffe on the 5th February 1977.
She had been struck down by three hammer blows after which her body had been exposed and slashed with a knife. Due to the nature of the attack it was immediately linked to the murders of Wilma McCann and Emily Jackson.
The slash injuries to her abdomen were particularly severe. One apparently coincidental similarity between this crime and the murder of Joan Harrison in Preston was the way in which the dead woman’s boots had been neatly placed over her thighs.
Detective Chief Superintendent Hobson, who had replaced Chief Superintendent Hoban in the Eastern Crime Area, investigated the crime and established the incident room at Millgarth Police Station, Leeds.
Not everyone was convinced that Irene Richardson’s murder was linked with that of Emily Jackson and Wilma McCann and a “Special Notice” to all forces including this case with other similar cases was not issued until the 9th May 1977.
Tyre tracks were found near to the scene. Police took plaster casts of the tyre impressions. The size and make were of the tyres was established - but the type of vehicle wasn't identified.
