A vigil was held this evening in memory of the three Bradford prostitutes killed in the district.

Hundreds gathered for the women-only vigil in Tyrrel Street, opposite Centenary Square, in silent remembrance of Suzanne Blamires, Shelley Arimtage and Susan Rushworth.

There were emotional scenes as women, many dressed in black, formed a circle in the street and lit candles to honour the memory of the three women.

Some of the participants took turns to speak to the gathered crowd before lighting candles in the centre of the circle.

Former prostitute and Bradford brothel-keeper Charlie Daniels said: “I’m just here to pay tribute to the lives of the women.”

She said she also wanted to raise awareness of the dozens of women in the industry who she says are missing across the UK.

She said: “Anything that raises awareness for positive change in the sex industry has to be welcome.”

Sue Dominey, part of the Women In Black organisation who organised the event, said she was there to show her support.

She said: “I’m just here to show that I care.

“It is the responsibility of everybody to not be abusive and disrespectful to women.”

A number of placards were held up throughout the event bearing phrases such as “crying out for our sisters” and “we care”.

A white banner was unfurled at the beginning of the vigil, decorated with a number of single words and phrases such as “love”, “life”, “strength”, “mother”, “daughter” and “compassion”.

Stephen Griffiths, 40, of Holmefield Court, Thornton Road, Bradford, has been charged with the murders of the three women.

He is expected to face trial in November.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said searches for clues to Miss Rushworth’s whereabouts and clues for the disappearance of the other two women were continuing in Bradford.

The spokesman said: “Searches are currently underway around Tetley Street and Soho Street.

“Police are also searching sewers that run along Goitside.”