An emotional plea from the friend of an Ipswich woman murdered in 1993 has been made after it was announced three suspects in her case have died.

After her parents appeared on Crimewatch Live, the best friend of Karen Hales said anyone speaking up more than three decades after her death would bring a "small element of closure" to a "living nightmare". 

On November 21, it will be 31 years since the body of Karen Hales was discovered by her parents at her home in Lavenham Road. 

The killer had stabbed the young mother multiple times before setting her body alight. Karen's 18-month old daughter Emily was next to her, unharmed.

To this day, Karen's family do not know who murdered her.

Chitra Watson said: "The police are saying that the prime suspects are now all deceased. 

"Please, if fear is what has stopped you all this time, please do the right thing now.  It won’t bring Karen back to us or ease the pain for her family, but it will bring a small element of closure to the part of the living nightmare that has been not knowing what happened and why. 

"They deserve at least that much."

Karen holding her daughter, Emily. Karen holding her daughter, Emily. (Image: Suffolk Police) On October 9, the case was discussed on the BBC's Crimewatch Live, where it was revealed that the three declared suspects in the unsolved murder have all now died.

The unsolved case team hope that by disclosing this information, people who may have been previously afraid to speak out will come forward without fear of repercussions. 

Ms Watson said: "This year will be 31 years since Karen was taken away from us.  Watching her parents on the recent Crimewatch programme was nothing short of heartbreaking. Many who knew Karen will have families of their own.  Maybe even the perpetrator had or has children. 

"Anyone who is reading this who has kept quiet out of fear or obligation, I would say this:  Picture finding your daughter laying dead on the floor, stabbed to death several times, set on fire and your 18-month-old grandchild wandering near the body.

"That is the image Karen’s dad has carried with him every single day for the past 31 years. 

Karen was just 21 when she was murdered. Karen was just 21 when she was murdered. (Image: Suffolk Police) Chitra and Karen's parents have asked for anyone who believes they may know something to come forward. Chitra and Karen's parents have asked for anyone who believes they may know something to come forward. (Image: Suffolk Police) "Imagine the constant torment that would bring.  Imagine growing up hearing what happened to your mum and having to build an image of her and what a beautiful person she was, based on just photos and other people’s memories."