Police are to interview all the detectives who investigated the unsolved murder of Sheila Anderson 25 years ago, including the former deputy chief constable of Lothian and Borders police.

Detectives revealed yesterday that they have officially reopened the murder inquiry and that modern forensic science, including DNA tests, could help trace her killer.

As officers called for witnesses to come forward to help solve the murder of the mother-of-two, they revealed that they have already interviewed and taken DNA samples from Ronnie Wilkinson, a retired detective who found Ms Anderson's handbag two days after her death.

Detective Inspector Steven Reed, who is leading the inquiry, denied recent reports that Mr Wilkinson is a suspect in the inquiry and made it clear that all the remaining members of the original investigation squad would be interviewed, including Tom Wood, the former deputy chief constable of the force. Mr Wood was the deputy senior investigating officer on the case at the time.

A number of the detectives from the team investigating Ms Anderson's murder in 1983 have since died.

The 27-year-old prostitute was found with "horrific" injuries at Gipsy Brae in the Granton area of Edinburgh on April 7, 1983, and died early the following morning from her injuries in Edinburgh's Western General Hospital.

The force indicated yesterday that modern techniques and a "2008" approach would be applied to all evidence, including tiny flecks of paint found on her clothing.

DI Reed said: "In this tragic case we believe advances in forensic science may help us resolve some of the unanswered questions.

"This was an apparently motiveless killing and I am appealing to anyone who has information about the circumstances of Sheila's death to come forward. It was 25 years ago and I appreciate that memories might have faded.

"However, circumstances might have changed in the intervening period and people who might have previously felt reluctant to come forward at the time will hopefully now be willing to talk to us.

"We must not forget that Sheila's killer left two young sons, aged seven and two at the time, to be brought up without a mother."

He added: "Minute particles of paint were found on Sheila's clothing and efforts were made to trace vehicles, witnesses and people who may have been with her in the hours before her death. We are following several positive lines of inquiry. We are reviewing this with an open mind and every single option will be looked at. It is about approaching it with a fresh pair of eyes."

Inquiries at the time revealed the victim left her home in the Drylaw area of the city around noon. There were various sightings of her during the day in west Granton and Leith. The final confirmed sighting was in Commercial Street around 11.30pm.

Her handbag was found two days later near to a car park at Longniddry Bents, East Lothian, on Sunday, April 10, by Mr Wilkinson.

Ms Anderson's family said yesterday: "Sheila was a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister and her death in such sudden and tragic circumstances was a shock to us all.

"Latterly in her life she suffered personal problems. But despite that and everything she endured, she maintained her wonderful sense of humour. We remember Sheila as a gentle-natured and loving, caring woman. She touched the hearts of all who knew her and was much loved by us all. As a family we welcome the re-investigation into her death and hope that after many years we will obtain the answers to the questions that we have."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 0131 221 2067 or e-mail: sheilandersoninquiry@lbp.pnn.police.uk.