IT is entirely understandable that emotions are running high over the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Even now it is hard to believe that anyone could kill two beautiful little girls, and the question on all our lips can be summed up by one word: Why?

But the natural revulsion all decent people feel over this unthinkable crime must be tempered to allow justice to take its course.

There were predictably angry scenes outside Peterborough Magistrates' Court yesterday when teaching assistant Maxine Carr faced charges of lying to the police.

Crowds surged towards the prison van containing Ian Huntley's girlfriend, eggs were thrown, and insults hurled. "Rot in hell for ever," screamed one banner.

Without police protection, the defendant would not have lasted five minutes.

Maxine Carr has not been charged with murdering the girls but she does stand accused of perverting the course of justice.

Conviction of that charge would be enough to ensure that she could never lead a normal life again.

But until a legal conclusion is reached, the public response must be measured, no matter how hard that might be.

Yesterday, in this column, we reflected on how the Soham killings had inspired an outpouring of compassion around the world. Messages of sympathy for the girls' parents have flooded the Internet, while 10,000 floral tributes to Holly and Jessica have gathered in the village churchyard.

A terrible, heart-wrenching tragedy had somehow brought out the very best in people.

Sadly, the blind hatred on display in Peterborough yesterday represented the ugly side of human nature.

Dual hopes

TRANSPORT minister John Spellar is today expected to make a significant announcement about the future of the A66.

This is one of the most important roads in the North. It is also the most dangerous. Full dual carriageway status, which must be the only way forward, would be a massive boost to the region's economy. It would also save lives.

After years of campaigning for the Government to "Fix the A66" we await Mr Spellar's announcement with great interest.