Police have new leads in Kate Bushell enquiry

Schoolgirl was murdered 25 years ago

The murder of an Exeter schoolgirl 25 years ago has taken on fresh impetus after police began working on new lines of enquiry following an anniversary appeal - although they don't have what they call "that crucial piece of new information."

Fourteen-year-old Kate Bushell, from the Exwick area of the city, was killed on Saturday 15 November 1997 as she walked a neighbour’s dog near her home. Her body was found in a field off Exwick Lane. She had died from a savage knife wound to her throat.

Earlier this month detectives renewed their appeal for information to mark the anniversary of her unsolved murder.

They urged anyone who may have previously withheld information to break their silence and help bring Kate’s killer to justice.

So far more than 40 pieces of new information have been received from the UK public.

Senior investigating officer Rob Back said: “The response and the interest from the public has been really good so far, with a number of fresh intelligence reports being reviewed by the crime team. However, we are still appealing for that crucial piece of new information.

“We continue to receive a meaningful public response to appeals about Kate’s callous murder, regardless of how much time has passed, and we are thankful to those who have found the courage to come forward on this anniversary.

“We would urge people to keep the information coming as we desperately want to solve this murder. If you think you may know something which could lead to the identification of Kate’s killer, please contact us. That one piece of critical information may be just what we need.”

The public can report information through the major incident public portal at wwwmipp.police.uk

A £20,000 reward has been offered by independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Kate’s killer.