Police begin inquiry into murder case

SCOTLAND YARD detectives today begin an investigation into why police deliberately concealed evidence during the trial of two sisters accused of killing Alison Shaughnessy, writes John Arlidge.

The Court of Appeal heard last week that officers had not disclosed that a witness whose evidence 'went to the core' of the convictions had changed his story. Nor did they reveal that he had sought a reward offered by Mrs Shaughnessy's employers, Barclays Bank.

The court quashed the convictions of Michelle and Lisa Taylor, who served nearly two years in jail. They are considering a civil action for malicious prosecution and false imprisonment. A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said yesterday that officers from the Complaints Investigation Branch would meet to consider the judgment of three judges led by Lord Justice McCowan.

Mrs Shaughnessy, 21, died from 54 stab wounds after being attacked at her home in Battersea, south London, in June 1991. Police declined to say yesterday whether the murder inquiry would be reopened.