40 years on we are still seeking justice for Leigh schoolgirl Lisa Hession as we continue to investigate her murder

On 8 December 1984, Lisa’s body was discovered by a member of the public at around five minutes before midnight behind Rugby Road, in Leigh.

Lisa was 14 years old when she was sexually assaulted and fatally strangled in an alleyway, just 200 yards from her home on Bonnywell Road. She had been walking back from a party when she was attacked.

Lisa’s mum, Christine, reported her missing at around 10:45pm when she had not returned home at her expected time of 10:30pm.

Despite our efforts and obtaining a DNA sample, which could lead us to a detection and the conviction of Lisa’s killer, we have never found a match, and no-one has ever been charged with Lisa’s murder.

Sadly, Lisa’s mum, Christine, passed away in 2016 without the knowledge of who killed her daughter.

We are reappealing to the public to please come forward if they think they may have seen anything unusual that night or have any information that could help us with our investigation into Lisa’s murder.

No matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, it could be a vital piece of the puzzle that could help us solve this four-decade-long case and finally get some closure for Lisa’s family and friends, and a community that still mourns her loss.

A £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of Lisa’s killer remains available.

Head of GMP’s Cold Case Unit, Martin Bottomley, said: “In what is the 40th anniversary of Lisa’s death, we want to let her loved ones, friends and the community know that we are committed to not losing hope on getting answers.

“This case has been subject to a number of reviews since 1984. The reviews have concentrated on using advances in forensic techniques and investigating all information provided to GMP by members of the public

“Lisa, a young teenager, who was a keen gymnast and ran cross-country for Leigh Harriers, had her whole life ahead of her, and somebody took that away from her.

“Her mother, Christine, never got to see her daughter grow up, and she died never knowing who killed Lisa.

“Sadly, the case still remains undetected but will always be open until Lisa’s killer is brought to justice, and any information received will be followed up appropriately.

“Anyone with information can contact the GMP Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978. There is a £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of the killer.

"Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”