Hunt for Linda Smith, 12, from Earls Colne continues

The lack of closure for families when losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances can be just as devastating as losing them.

Both Essex Police and Suffolk Police say cases are never closed and they are regularly reviewed with the hope of bringing the culprits to justice.

Today we look at the case of Linda Smith, 12, which still hangs over her loved ones’ heads.

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.

Tragic - 12-year-old Linda Smith (Image: Suffolk Police)

The 12-year-old had left her great aunt’s house to go to the newsagents – a trip she did most days and one which would take about 15 minutes in total.

She was seen looking through the shop window but she didn’t enter the shop, instead crossing the road and engaging in conversation with the local cobbler.

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

Her body was discovered in a field some 18.5 miles away in Polstead, Suffolk. Tragically, she had been strangled with her school scarf.

The Metropolitan Police was brought in to assist with the investigation and a significant number of leads were followed up both in the community of Earls Colne and in the wider area.

Heartbreaking - Linda Smith, 12, was found dead in a field in Suffolk (Image: Suffolk Police)

However, no one was ever arrested or charged with Linda’s murder.

On the 60th anniversary of her death in 2021, senior police officers admitted they may not appeal for the public’s help to solve the horrific crime again.

They said the chances of catching her killer were “extremely remote”.

At the time, Det Supt Andy Smith, head of the Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: “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.”

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.