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THE true identity of notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper could be be revealed thanks to a DNA breakthrough.

A world-renowned DNA expert claims Polish immigrant Aaron Kosminski - who was one of six key suspects in the historical mystery - is the killer.

The real identity of Jack the Ripper - who is responsible for at least five murders in East London in 1888 - has baffled criminologists for decades and led to a range of theories.

A London newspaper today reported that a shawl which was found next to the body of victim Catherine Eddowes has been analysed using sophisticated modern forensic techniques.

The shawl was bought at auction by businessman and amateur sleuth Russel Edwards in 2007.

He then contacted the world-renowned Dr Jari Louhelainen, who analyses evidence from historical crime scenes, to examine the garment.

Working in his spare time, Dr Louhelainen managed to compare DNA from the shawl to DNA from the victim's relatives and the suspects - leading to the conclusion that Kosminski was the killer.

Kosminski was described as a barber from Whitechapel and was named in the notes of Chief Inspector Donald Swanson, the officer in charge of the original investigation.

Police did not have enough evidence to convict Kosminski at the time, despite identification by a witness, but kept him under surveillance until he was committed to a mental asylum in 1890.

Since the brutal murders took place, more than 100 people have been named as suspects in the case.

Jack the Ripper killed his victims in some of east London's poorest areas.

Attacks blamed on the Ripper involved female prostitutes who lived and worked in the slums of London .

Their throats were cut prior to gruesome mutilations on their bodies.