TRIPLE child killer David McGreavy has had his bid to be released on parole refused, the Worcester News can exclusively reveal.

The murderer dubbed the 'Monster of Worcester' - who impaled three children on garden railings in a crime which horrified the nation - has been denied release by parole board officials.

We can reveal how Worcester MP Robin Walker intervened and raised the city's outrage at McGreavy's possible release with Justice Secretary Michael Gove.

Although the Ministry of Justice cannot sway the independent board's decision, it has now emerged that McGreavy will not be released.

The decision has been welcomed by people living in Gillam Street and the former owner of the house where he murdered those children - who said he should "rot in jail".

Michael Jones and wife Pearl lived at the terraced property in Gillam Street shortly after they got married in September 1967, moving out two years later.

Mr Jones, aged 73, a former publican, said he still feels "sick" that their first marital home had later become the scene of the infamous 1973 murders.

"I’m very glad he's not going to be released - hopefully this is the end of it and everybody can rest in peace," he said.

"I hope he rots there - with something like that, it sticks with you until it's finished. "Now it is finished as far as I'm concerned, he can stay there until he rots."

Sheila Irvine, 62, who lives a few doors down from the property, said: "He should never be released, if there is any justice he will never be let out.

"Life should mean life - he took away three children."

Mr Walker, who received confirmation from officials earlier this week, said the decision will be welcomed across Worcester.

"He's not being released, it's very good news and very much in line with what I've been asking for," he said.

"This is not something that has gone away forever, it will probably come around again in a few years, but for now we've got what we wanted which is a good result.

"I do think it's the right thing to do, at the end of the day politicians aren't the ones making these decisions but I did what I could to flag it up."

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: "Whenever a prisoner is up for release, it is entirely a decision by the independent parole board.

"As such the Ministry of Justice cannot comment on individuals."

A spokesman for the Parole Board added: "We can confirm that a panel of the board has not directed the release of David McGreavy.

"Under current legislation David McGreavy will be eligible for a further review within two years - the date of the next review will be set by the Ministry of Justice."

McGreavy murdered siblings Paul, Dawn and Samantha Ralph while babysitting at their home in 1973.

Then aged 21, he was jailed for life with a minimum of 20 years.

Since then he is believed to have applied for parole more than 10 times, with each one refused.

On one occasion he was even allowed to stay in a Liverpool bail hostel on 'temporary license' before being returned to confinement when the public found out.

Earlier this month it emerged that the killer had applied again, leading to this week's decision.