Detectives are still hoping a murder will be solved 53 years later due to advancements in technology.

Twelve-year-old Linda Smith, who lived in Foundry Lane, Earls Colne, was found four days after she disappeared from the village on Monday, January 16, 1961.

Police believed that she had been strangled by her own scarf.

Her death is the oldest of 13 unsolved murders being regularly reviewed by Suffolk Police.

Last week, the Gazette published a heartfelt plea by Linda’s family for anyone with information to tell police so the killer can be brought to justice.

Now Andy Smith, of Suffolk’s Major Investigation Team, said his team were optimistic the killer would be found.

He said: "There’s every reason to believe Linda’s killer is still alive and we would appeal to that person, or those persons, to examine their consciences.

“Time is running out for them to do the right thing."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.