Sex workers put themselves at considerable risk PC Louise Kuklinski, the dedicated vice officer for Wiltshire Police, said at the press conference in which it was revealed that the disappearance of Sallyann John is being treated as murder today.

And she said anyone with information about Sallyann's disappearance in 1995 from an area known to be frequented by prostitutes must not keep it to themselves.

She said: "The issue of on-street sex work in Swindon is relative to the size and population of the town. It is not disproportionate to other towns of a similar size.

"I have structures in place to ensure that areas associated with on-street sex work are regularly patrolled; the approach we have when dealing with sex workers is a different to that of kerb crawlers, Wiltshire Police will take robust action against any person found kerb-crawling or soliciting.

"Sex workers in Wiltshire are placed on a scheme aimed at compliance with rehabilitation and support services when dealt with for offences relating to on street sex working, sex workers are no longer fined for these offences.

"We are fortunate enough in Swindon to have an outreach worker dedicated to on street sex work that has been funded by our Police and Crime Commissioner.  The outreach provided by ISIS womens centre is regular late at night and during the early hours of the morning on the streets of Swindon; this has proved to be of huge benefit and support to sex workers.

"There is no denying that sex workers – be that on-street sex workers or those working in brothels, find themselves in a situation which carry significant risks.

"They are meeting complete strangers both on foot and in vehicles and are often being driven to secluded areas without anyone else knowing where they are, this emphasises the importance of the work that we are doing each day in very close partnership with many other agencies and organisations.

"In addition to the procedures I have touched on, we rely on community intelligence to help us combat this type of crime and to keep street sex workers safe, if you have a concern or information please do not keep it to yourself, talk to us."

Anyone with information should call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.