WILTSHIRE Police’s cold cases department is ‘keeping an open mind’ over whether Christopher Halliwell had committed further murders.

The former Swindon taxi driver is currently serving two life sentences for the murders of Sian O’Callaghan, killed in 2011, and Becky Godden-Edwards, who was murdered in 2003.

This weekend marks ten years since 22-year-old Miss O’Callaghan was killed by Halliwell.

The taxi driver, who lived in Nythe when he was arrested, has been accused of killing other women.

In a statement released this month, Wiltshire Police warned against speculation. A spokesman said: “We continue to keep an open mind in relation to any further offences that Christopher Halliwell may have committed and will follow the evidence wherever that may take us.

“It is important to stress that we would not encourage unhelpful speculation as this may cause distress to families involved who are desperate to have news of their loved ones.”

Swindon Advertiser:

A court sketch of Christopher Halliwell from his trial in 2012 Picture: ELIZABETH COOK/PA WIRE

The force said that the case file remained open, although it stressed that officers were not currently pursuing fresh leads.

“Although we are not currently investigating any offences alleged to have been committed by Halliwell, at the time of his arrest, all forces were notified of the circumstances of both murders and importantly, the facts that were known at that time. This is in line with good investigative practice and is recognised by Senior Investigating Officers across the country as appropriate action to take,” a spokesman said.

“Furthermore, engagement with the National Crime Agency throughout ensured that the investigation which secured Halliwell’s conviction was shared with other organisations accessing the NCA services for homicide enquiries and this close liaison remains ongoing.

“We intend to continue this transparent approach with other forces and sharing of best practice.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”

Steve Fulcher, the former Wiltshire Police detective superintendent whose team caught Halliwell in 2011, claimed in his 2017 book about the case that clothing and other items discovered around a Ramsbury pond in 2014 pointed to a murderer hoarding ‘trophies’ from previous victims. There were 60 items buried nearby.

He wrote: “If my suspicions are right, if the evidence in the trophy store suggests a truth that still lies hidden, then Halliwell had a prolific propensity to murder – perhaps as often and once or twice a year.”

In 2016, speaking after the trial at which Halliwell was convicted of murdering Miss Godden-Edwards, Det Supt Sean Memory said: “Halliwell talked candidly in 1985 about wanting to be a serial killer and I genuinely believe that’s a distinct possibility.”