Police are seeking justice for the family of a murdered schoolgirl as the 40th anniversary of her death approaches. 

Lisa Hession was aged 14 when she was brutally killed on Saturday, December 8, 1984 just 200 yards from her home in Leigh. 

Lisa had been walking home from a party just before midnight when she was sexually assaulted and strangled in an alleyway behind Rugby Road. 

Her mum, Christine, reported her missing at around 10.45pm when she had not returned to their home on Bonnywell Road at her expected time of 10.30pm. 

A picture of the scene from 1984A picture of the scene from 1984 (Image: GMP) Despite police obtaining a DNA sample, they have never been able to find a match and no one has ever been charged with Lisa's murder. 

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

Now, police are appealing to the public to come forward if they think they may have seen anything unusual that night or have any information that could help them with the investigation into Lisa’s murder. 

No matter how small or insignificant the detail may be, it could be a vital piece of the puzzle that could help police 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. 

The scene in LeighThe scene in Leigh (Image: GMP) A £50,000 reward for information leading to the identification and conviction of Lisa’s killer remains available. 

Head of Greater Manchester Police'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. 

Read more: £50,000 reward to help catch schoolgirl's killer — 33 years after her death

Read more: Investigation to find Lisa Hession's killer ongoing 35 years on

“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. 

The scene in LeighThe scene in Leigh (Image: GMP) “Her mother, Christine, never got to see her daughter grow up, and she died never knowing who killed Lisa." 

He added: “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.”