Appeal on the 30th anniversary of unsolved murder – Berkshire

Appeal on the 30th anniversary of unsolved murder – Berkshire

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information on the thirtieth anniversary of the murder of a Berkshire woman whose killer has never been brought to justice.

At around 5.30am on Saturday 16 November 1996, firefighters attended reports of a fire near a fly-tip known locally as ‘Two Bridges’, near the Thames Water pumping station off the A327 between Arborfield and Shinfield.

After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered the body of a woman, partially clothed and lying face down amongst burning rubbish.

The victim was later identified as 47-year-old Vera Holland, from St Barnabas Road, Shinfield.

A post-mortem examination established that Vera had been murdered. She died as a result of strangulation.

Thirty years on, Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Review Team is continuing to investigate Vera's death and is appealing to anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward.

Vera’s daughter, Dawn Bennett, made this appeal on behalf of the family on the 30th anniversary of her mum’s murder.

“It is devastatingly hard to believe that thirty years have passed since our mum was murdered, yet her killer remains free.

“She was only 47 when her life was stolen from us. Back then, she was a devoted mother to myself, my brother and sister and a very proud grandmother of seven. She was robbed of the chance to watch her grandchildren grow, and those born after her death never got to experience her boundless love and affection.

“Someone out there knows exactly what happened to our mum. I implore you to come forward and contact the police with any piece of information, no matter how small.

“Thirty years is an agonisingly long time to wait for justice, especially while the person responsible has been allowed to carry on living their life freely. And we feel the loss and heartbreak of losing her every day. So please any information you have please come forward so they can be brought to justice and our mum can finally be in peace.”

Head of the Major Crime Review Team, Peter Beirne said: "Thirty years is a long time, but we are determined to find justice for Vera and her loved ones.

"I believe there are people who know something about what happened to Vera but have never spoken to police. There may be someone who thought a piece of information was insignificant at the time, someone who was frightened to come forward, or someone whose loyalties have changed over the years.

"Relationships change, friendships end, and circumstances change. You may have felt it was impossible to share information in 1996. You may have been unsure whether what you knew was important, believed someone else had already spoken to police, or felt unable to come forward at the time, but you can now come forward.

"The time has come to tell us what you know."

Investigators are asking people to think back to November 1996 and consider whether seemingly ordinary memories might now have significance.

November 1996 was the month the Spice Girls released their debut album, and Bill Clinton won the US Presidential Election. On the weekend Vera's body was discovered, the UK Snooker Championship was taking place, so you might recall the tournament being on the television.

Principal Investigator Beirne said: "We know memories can be triggered events and by moments in our lives that define a particular time.

"Think back to where you were in November 1996. What was happening in your life? Which pubs, places or local venues did you used to visit? Who were you spending time with? Did you hear conversations, witness unusual behaviour or see something?

“Speak to your family and friends. Sometimes a conversation may bring back memories that haven't been thought about for years.

“Even if you think it is insignificant. Even if you are unsure if the information you have is relevant, please contact us. Your information could be the final piece in the puzzle that solves this investigation.”

Vera was last seen on Thursday 14 November 1996 after leaving her home in St Barnabas Road to buy a takeaway from KFC on Shinfield Road, a journey that should have taken only a few minutes.

She failed to return home and was reported missing.

Investigators do not believe Vera ever reached the restaurant, as she was not captured on CCTV. The KFC remains at the same location today.

Vera was reported to have been wearing a pink coat, green tartan shirt, black jumper and black shoes. None of these items have ever been recovered.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who:

"Someone, somewhere, knows what happened to Vera,” Principal Investigator Beirne said.

"You may have convinced yourself that what you know is not important, but please share your information with us so we can assess it.

"Even after three decades, one conversation, one memory or one piece of information could be the key to finally identifying the person responsible.

"If you know something, however small, please come forward."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police by emailing majorcrimereviewteam@thamesvalley.police.uk or calling 101, quoting investigation reference 0529 (6/11). Or if you would prefer to speak to a local officer, Thames Valley Police neighbourhood teams will be out in the local community handing out leaflets and posters to appeal for information.