Police make fifth arrest in murder inquiry

Last night police were still questioning a 17-year-old boy they arrested earlier in the day. Already, another 17-year-old boy and three men aged 22, 26 and 44 have been arrested and bailed in connection with the inquiry.

Today police will make a public appeal for information on the murder of Miss Wilson, who went missing from home on Saturday, October 9.

Her body was found three days later in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation Canal, near Steel Street, Rotherham.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Officers from the local safer neighbourhood team will join members of the investigation team for a high-visibility appeal in the Ferham area between 8pm tonight and 1am on Sunday, October 24.

"Laura was last seen by family friends at around 9.30pm on Saturday, October 9, close to her home address in the Holmes area of Rotherham."

Miss Wilson, who was also known as Laura Hussain, lived with her mother and her four-month-old daughter, Alesha, on Hartington Close, Rotherham.

In a statement released through the police, Miss Wilson's family said they were "devastated" by the loss of a daughter and sister and were struggling to come to terms with it.

"Laura was a fun and feisty young woman who was loved by all and had so much to live for.

"She doted on her daughter Alesha and had recently enrolled on a college course that she was hoping would bring her an exciting future."

Anyone with information on the murder investigation should contact South Yorkshire Police's incident room on 01709 443533 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.