Appeal for Information Renewed in 30-Year-Old Schoolgirl Murder Case

Authorities have issued a renewed appeal for information concerning the individual responsible for the murder of a schoolgirl, 30 years after her disappearance. Lindsay Rimer, aged 13, departed her residence in Hebden Bridge on November 7, 1994, with the intention of purchasing cornflakes from a local store, but she did not come back. Her remains were discovered five months subsequent to her disappearance, submerged in the Rochdale Canal approximately one mile from the town centre, weighted by a stone. Detective Chief Inspector James Entwistle of West Yorkshire Police stated that investigators remain “no closer to the truth” and implored the public, saying: “Now’s the time to talk to us.” Det Ch Insp Entwistle indicated that he and his team of officers would be present in Hebden Bridge all day Thursday, distributing leaflets and soliciting information. He remarked, “It’s 30 years to the day that this happened.” He added, “There has been an immense police inquiry around it and we’re still no closer to the truth about.” Lindsay departed her residence on Cambridge Street around 22:00 BST, prior to visiting her mother at the Trades Club. Twenty minutes thereafter, she was recorded on CCTV purchasing cornflakes from the Spar located on Crown Street. Shortly after, two bus passengers observed her leaning against a wall close to the town’s Memorial Garden. This constituted the final confirmed sighting of her alive. Her body was discovered five months subsequent by two canal workers. The search operation for the schoolgirl represented one of the most extensive investigations conducted by West Yorkshire Police, and despite comprehensive inquiries, the perpetrator of her murder is still unidentified. Lindsay’s family described the suffering caused by the lack of justice for Lindsay as “like living a life sentence”. Her sister, Kate Rimer, further stated: “If you know something you need to come forward because you have a moral duty to end this. Not just for Lindsay and us as a family, but for the wider community of Hebden Bridge who have lived with this.” Det Ch Insp Entwistle explained that his appeal comprised three main points. He elaborated: “Firstly, do you have suspicions about someone? Were you maybe a prison officer, a probation officer, a teacher who’s always wondered ‘what about that person?’ “Secondly, were you in Hebden Bridge at the time? Have you always wondered about coming forward? Loyalties change over 30 years. “And thirdly, were you involved? Do you have this on your conscience? Maybe you weren’t responsible for the murder, but you know exactly what happened.” Access highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, view the latest episode of Look North, or submit a story for potential coverage here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Details regarding its approach to external linking are available for review.