Police say time running out to solve Linda Smith murder 60 years ago

Linda Smith, who lived in Foundry Lane, Earls Colne, was found four days after she disappeared while running an errand on Monday, January 16, 1961.

Her body was discovered in a ditch in Hadleigh Heath, Polstead, Suffolk - about 12 miles from her village.

Detectives believe the tragic youngster had been strangled with her own school scarf.

Her death is the oldest of 13 unsolved murders regularly reviewed by Suffolk Police.

But senior officers admit the 60th anniversary of her death may be the last time they appeal for the public’s help to solve the horrific crime and say the chances of catching her killer are “extremely remote”.

Det Supt Andy Smith, head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with Linda and her family on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of her disappearance and subsequent murder.

“This is an absolutely tragic case – Linda was just 12-years-old and had her whole life ahead of her. The impact of her murder on her family is indescribable.

“I would emphasise we have undertaken numerous and extensive reviews of this crime over a number of years.

“Regrettably, these reviews and successive appeals for information have not provided us with the new evidence we need to bring the person or persons responsible for Linda’s death to justice.

Linda Smith

“Linda was murdered in 1961 and inevitably the time which has passed since has presented tremendous obstacles to investigate and progress this case further, not least in terms of the diminishing availability of witnesses and absence of other key evidence with which we can apply modern investigative techniques.

“I sadly recognise we now have to be realistic that the chances of being able to bring Linda’s killer or killers to justice after all this time are extremely remote.

“It is in this context that I would seek to make what is likely to be a final appeal on this significant anniversary for anyone who knows anything about this dreadful crime to make contact with us.

“It is never too late to do the right thing for Linda and her family.”

Linda was killed after leaving her great aunt’s house in Earls Colne to go to the newsagents. She did the errand most days and it would normally take about 15 minutes.

She was seen by a number of people as she made her way down Burrows Road. Linda was also seen looking through the newsagent’s window, but didn’t go into the shop.

Minutes later she had crossed the road and was chatting to a local cobbler.

Although there were many people in the High Street, Linda was not seen alive again.

Four days later, on January 20, her body was found in a field in Polstead, Suffolk.

Over the years Linda’s family have made heartfelt pleas for anyone with information to come forward.

Three years ago writer Jess Carter released a podcast in a bid to help the investigation.

Speaking at the time she said: “Her family are desperate to keep her memory alive and maybe someone knows something that could lead to convicting her killer before it is too late.”

Author Richard White also wrote a book called Little Miss Friendly about the unsolved murder.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Unsolved Case Team on 01953 423819 or by emailing unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.