Results of scientific tests could suggest Ian Jarvis was at the home of murder victim Ann Marie Couldridge during a fire at her Canvey flat, a court has heard.

Jarvis, 37, of Second Avenue, Canvey, denies murdering 28-year-old Ann Marie, who was his brother Eric's girlfriend, and setting fire to her flat in Hilton Road last year.

However, consultant chemist Dr Robert Large told Chelmsford Crown Court: "We have the same array of chemical compounds in the car, in the flat and on items of the defendant's clothing and they show very similar distributions and patterns so there was a potential correlation between these exhibits."

Prosecutor Jeremy Gompertz QC asked: "Are you saying the evidence was conclusive that there was a correlation?"

Dr Large replied: "The suspect had been exposed to similar components as had been in the flat and in the car."

Defence barrister Nigel Lithman QC questioned Dr Large closely on his analysis and his findings. He asked: "What compounds of weak intensity are found on the defendant's clothing that you have not shown?"

Dr Large replied: "There will be other components there but I did not consider them significant."

Ian Jarvis, 37, of Second Avenue, Canvey, denies murdering Ann Marie Couldridge, 28, and setting fire to her flat in Hilton Road, Canvey.The case continues

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