At last, capture of the case's only suspect brings some relief to family's agony.

Byline: Emma Stone

THE ARREST of Tatsuya Ichihashi - the only suspect hunted by police in connection with Lindsay's murder - brings immense relief and some closure for one Coventry family. The extraordinary development ends a harrowing but determined two years for the Hawkers. Since the discovery of the 22-year-old's body in March 2007, the family have campaigned tirelessly for justice. Parents Bill and Julia and sisters Lisa and Louise have never faltered in their determination to see the Japanese student wanted for her murder, arrested and brought before the courts. Despite thousands of miles lying between them and Japan, they have fought hard to make sure no-one forgot Lindsay and more importantly the person being hunted for her brutal murder. In the past two years, the family have visited Japan, anniversaries have been marked, leaflets have been distributed and posters displayed.

They have visited the flat where Lindsay was found, appealed to commuters for information and even re-traced Lindsay's last steps. Television, radio and newspaper interviews have been given in both the UK and Japan and the family have even appealed directly to Ichihashi to turn himself in. Since Lindsay's murder, the family have battled for answers, including answers from the Japanese police themselves - who the Hawkers, at times, openly criticised. The family were angered and frustrated they were regularly informed of developments in the case through the media rather than directly from Japanese detectives. And at times they have admitted that it felt they were the only ones fighting for Lindsay. And, as Bill Hawker said outside his home yestrday, his family will never be the same again. But yesterday they deservedly took one step closer to finding some peace.

CAPTION(S):

UNDER ARREST... Tatsuya Ichihashi is led away. CHANGING FACES... Ichihashi, left, pictured after plastic surgery. Below, before.