'We ignored model's screams as she was raped and murdered just yards from home'

Neighbours in a leafy suburb have shared how a murder which happened 20 years ago has left them “racked with guilt” after they didn't investigate the cries for help they heard outside.

Sally Anne Bowman, 18, was stabbed to death just yards from her home in Croydon, south London, on September 25, 2005. Her ex-boyfriend Lewis Sproston had dropped her close to her home following a night out. The model and hairdresser was knifed in the neck and stomach seven times before she was raped by local Mark Dixie.

Her murder remained a mystery until the following year, when police arrested Dixie after a fight took place at the pub where he worked as a chef. He was linked to the case after he was swabbed for DNAand was later charged for murder.

READ MORE: Who is Sally-Anne Bowman killer Mark Dixie? Evil thug whose depravity shocked Britain

Now, neighbours situated in Blenheim Crescent have spoken out about the tragedy. They said they were unaware of what the noises were but said they regret not going outside to investigate.

Ernest Mugadza, 71, told The Sun: “I remember hearing the screams like it was yesterday. But we didn't come out. And that's the guilt that I still feel even now." He added: “I know that police always tell you not to intervene, but I should have at least made a noise, scared him away at least."

Another local added: "It's certainly not anyone's fault on this street for what happened to her. But there is a slight sense of regret. It's hard not to think what might have been different if we had gone out." Someone else commented: "A lot of people heard sort of like shouting and screaming back then, but thought it was just partying. Since then, whenever we hear anything, we look out and our light goes on. I tend to go out."

Her mother, Linda Bowman previously recalled the moment police knocked on her doorto share the news. She said at the time: "I felt an immense pain in my heart. From that moment on, my life was over. All I wanted was to hold her in my arms again. There is so much I never got to tell her. I need to feel her soft beautiful skin, smell her favourite perfume and run my fingers through her beautiful long hair."

Dixie was found guilty of murder and was sentenced to life in jail with a minimum term of 34 years. He admitted that he had previously attacked to women prior two the murder.

Senior investigating officer Chris Le Pere had compared Dixie to "a monster",BBCearlier reported. He said: "I would be very surprised if he would ever not pose a threat to the public or a danger to the public. But that's for other people to decide."