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Police have launched a fresh appeal over the murder of a schoolgirl 40 years ago, offering a £50,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Lisa Hession, 14, was walking back from a party when she was sexually assaulted and strangled in an alleyway, some 180 metres from her home on Bonnywell Road in Leigh, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Her body was found by a member of the public on 8 December 1984.

Lisa’s mother, Christine, had expected her home by 10.30pm and reported her missing at 10.45pm, the force said.

A £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of Lisa’s killer is still available.

On the anniversary of her death, GMP said: “Despite our efforts and obtaining a DNA sample, which could lead us to a detection and the conviction of Lisa’s killer, we have never found a match, and no-one has ever been charged with Lisa’s murder.

“Sadly, Lisa’s mum, Christine, passed away in 2016 without the knowledge of who killed her daughter.”

GMP has re-appealed for the public to come forward if they saw anything unusual that night or have information that could assist the investigation.

“No matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, it could be a vital piece of the puzzle that could help us solve this four-decade-long case and finally get some closure for Lisa’s family and friends, and a community that still mourns her loss”, it said.

The head of GMP’s Cold Case Unit, Martin Bottomley, said: “In what is the 40th anniversary of Lisa’s death, we want to let her loved ones, friends and the community know that we are committed to not losing hope on getting answers.

“This case has been subject to a number of reviews since 1984. The reviews have concentrated on using advances in forensic techniques and investigating all information provided to GMP by members of the public

“Lisa, a young teenager, who was a keen gymnast and ran cross-country for Leigh Harriers, had her whole life ahead of her, and somebody took that away from her.

“Her mother, Christine, never got to see her daughter grow up, and she died never knowing who killed Lisa.

“Sadly, the case still remains undetected but will always be open until Lisa’s killer is brought to justice, and any information received will be followed up appropriately.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the GMP Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978, or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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