AGEING police files on unsolved rapes and murders in Swindon are being dusted down by detectives looking into the past of Ulrich Muenstermann.

Muenstermann lived in Bowood Road, Kingshill, between 1989 and 1993 and now Wiltshire Police are delving into their archives of unsolved murders and rapes from the last 20 years to see if the TV technician could be responsible.

Investigators in France and the UK are also trying to find out if Muenstermann lived anywhere else in England during his time in the country.

"We have the Major Investigation Team re-examining cold cases to explore any links that may or may not be there," says head of Swindon CID, Detective Chief Inspector Kier Pritchard.

"It's certainly an avenue we are exploring.

"At the moment this is just a procedure we follow in these circumstances - there are no cases we are linking to Ulrich Muenstermann yet."

The move comes after French magistrate Charles Prats appealed to Swindon residents for information about Muenstermann in connection with the murder of Sylvie Baton in France in 1989.

The 24-year-old was raped and strangled in her own home in Avallon, north Burgundy, while her boyfriend was travelling abroad.

Police are asking for anyone who knew Muenstermann, even just to have their television repaired, to come forward.

If there is a connection between the German and the brutal killing of Sylvie Baton, questions will be raised as to whether he was responsible for sexual attacks and even killings in the UK.

DCI Pritchard said: "We have been speaking to neighbours in the area where Muenstermann lived but are anxious for more information.

"We are reviewing cold cases at the same time as gathering information about him and his life in Swindon."

Mr Prats said people might remember, in particular, his sky blue VW Camper van.