Reward of £50,000 on offer to find killer who sexually assaulted schoolgirl, 14, while walking home from party

A £50,000 reward is on offer to find a killer who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old schoolgirl while she was walking home from a party.

Lisa Hession was assaulted and strangled to death in an alleyway just 200 yards from her home in Leigh near Manchester.

Her body was found by a passer-by at around five minutes before midnight on December 8, 1984 - 40 years ago today.

The teen had been walking back from a party when she was attacked, cops said.

Her mum Christine had expected her home at 10.30pm - and reported her missing at 10.45pm.

Detectives took a DNA sample which could reveal the identity of Lisa's killer.

But they have never found a match for the DNA - and no-one has ever been charged with Lisa's murder.

Lisa's mum Christine died in 2016 without getting justice for her daughter.

Cops have today renewed a £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of Lisa's killer.

GMP Cold Case Unit chief Martin Bottomley said: "This 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."

He added: "This case has been subject to a number of reviews since 1984.

"They have concentrated on using advances in forensic techniques and investigating all information provided by members of the public.

"Lisa, a young teenager, was a keen gymnast and ran cross-country for Leigh Harriers.

"She 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."

Bottomley said: "Any information received will be followed up appropriately."

Anyone with information can contact the GMP Cold Case Unit on 0161 856 5978.

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