The Parole Board refuses to reverse the decision to release Stephen Ling

The Parole Board has refused to overturn its order to free a convicted murderer who stabbed a woman 60 times.

Steven Ling was jailed for life in 1998 for murdering Joanne Tulip, 29, in Stamfordham, Northumberland, on Christmas Day 1997.

The Lord Chancellor asked the board to reconsider its decision in September that Ling should be released after serving 27 years of a life sentence.

Ling admitted to the rape, but the charge was dropped, meaning he has not been classified as a sex offender.