DNA riddle over murder of schoolgirl, 14, strangled and dumped in alleyway 40 years ago – as cops issue fresh appeal

COPS are appealing for help in solving the 40-year-old cold case of a schoolgirl murdered on her way home from a party.

The body of Lisa Hession, 14, was found in an alleyway five minutes before midnight on December 8 1984 in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

She had been strangled and sexually assaulted, just yards from her home on Bonnywell Road.

Lisa's mum Christine, reported her missing at around 10.45pm when she failed to return home as expected 15 minutes earlier.

She had left the party at her friend's home around two miles away, alone at 10.05pm.

Christine said at the time she had walked past the alleyway behind Ruby Road where her daughter's body was lying three times during a frantic search.

She told the Western Daily Press days after the discovery: "If I had looked in perhaps I could have done something, I don't know.

"It is just knowing I walked past three times, and could have helped her."

In January 1985, police released a photo-kit of a "baby-faced" man they looking for in relation to the murder, reported the Manchester Evening News.

Detective Superintendent Terry Millard said at the time: "I do not say this man has any connection with the murder, but I still want to talk to him."

He went on to say: "Before Lisa was killed, there were three indecent incidents reported at Leigh.

"Two females separately gave us the descriptions of this man and built up separate photo kits.

"A third female also gave us a description.

"In all three, there are great similarities and in two cases the females said he was baby-faced."

DNA RIDDLE

Despite police efforts to obtain a DNA sample, which could lead to a detection and the conviction of Lisa's killer, a match has never been found.

No one has ever been charged with Lisa's murder.

Christine passed away in 2016 without ever knowing who killed her daughter.

This week, Greater Manchester Police have issued a fresh appeal to help in their investigation.

A statement said: "We are re-appealing to the public to please come forward if they think they may have seen anything unusual that night or have any information that could help us with our investigation into Lisa’s murder.

"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.

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

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 can contact the GMP Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978. There is a £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the killer.

"Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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