Detectives investigating the murder of a sex worker 25 years ago revealed today that modern forensic science could help trace her killer.
Lothian & Borders Police launched a fresh appeal for witnesses to help solve the murder of mother-of-two Sheila Anderson.
The 27-year-old was found with crush injuries in the Granton area of Edinburgh on April 7 1983 and died from her injuries.
The force indicated today that modern techniques would be applied to all evidence - including tiny flecks of paint on her clothing.
Detective Inspector Steven 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."
He said people who might have felt reluctant to come forward at the time will hopefully now be willing to talk.
DI Reed 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."
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 1130pm.
Her handbag was found two days later near to a car park at Longniddry Bents, East Lothian on Sunday April 10 1983.
The murder victim's family issued a statement saying: "Sheila was a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister and her death in such tragic and sudden circumstances was a shock to us all.
"She was taken from us at far too early an age but we still hold in our hearts the happy memories that we all shared.
"Latterly in her life she suffered personal problems. But despite that and everything she endured, Sheila 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 reinvestigation into her death and hope that after many years we will obtain the answers to the questions that we have."
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