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£10,000 reward offered for information about historic Exeter child murder

Twenty years after the unsolved murder of a 14-year-old Kate Bushell, new forensic evidence is released


Kate Bushell went out to walk a neighbour's dog near her home in Exwick in November 1997.

Her body was later found in a nearby field, with horrific injuries to her throat.

Police have never closed the case, and a full forensic review was carried out three years ago. Orange fibres from industrial clothing - perhaps a boiler suit, apron or gloves, have now been identified. The weapon was a large kitchen knife.

Retired Detective Superintendant Paul Burgan, who led the original investigation, says all their enquiries have led them back to Exwick.

They believe only someone with local knowledge would be familiar with Exwick Lane and the field where Kate was found. A man thought to be in his 30s was seen running from the area. He's never been located.

Kate's brother Tim, who was 15 at the time, has spoken about how the death of his sister devastated his family, and how he believes someone has information that could lead to an arrest.

Police call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have information. You can be anonymous. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted online (again, anonymously through a non-transferable form) at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

 

 

 

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