Lynne Weedon

Eve Stratford

Detectives investigating the 1975 murders of two young women, Eve Stratford and Lynne Weedon, have launched a fresh appeal for help and information.

The murders have been linked since 2006 when a cold case review used a more advanced level of forensic analysis on crime exhibits.

It’s been established the same DNA had been found on both victims.

Despite this breakthrough nine years ago, the case has remained unsolved.

Now police are hoping the length of time passed since the killings will encourage potential witnesses to come forward.

First Victim Eve Stratford

Eve Stratford, who was 22 at the time, worked at London’s Playboy club.

She was found in her flat by her boyfriend at 5.25 pm on 18th March 1975 with several knife wounds to the throat.

The murder weapon was never found, and there was no sign of any forced entry to the flat on Lyndhurst Drive, Leyton.

Second Victim Lynne Weedon

Lynne Weedon was a 16 year old school girl at the time, on her way home from an evening out with friends.

She was raped and murdered near her home in Hounslow on 3rd September 1975 shortly after 11 pm.

Lynne was discovered alive by a local school caretaker, however she never regained consciousness and died a week later in hospital.

The cause of her death was a single blow to the head from a heavy blunt instrument.

A mother’s appeal

Lynne’s mother Margaret Weedon said:

It has been 40 years, since our beautiful young daughter Lynne was violently taken from us.

1975 seems so long ago and it is. Forty years without her. We have missed out on so much; she missed out on life, no relationship or marriage, no career or children or even just travelling the world, all taken from her.

Lynn Weedon murdered when only 16 years old. Her parents are now in their 80s. Image: Met Police

We are left 40 years on always wondering what it would have been like.

A true life sentence.

We are well aware that whoever murdered Lynne also murdered Eve Stratford. That young lady also had her life snubbed out. Her family have died now. Another true life sentence.

The hurt eases but the pain still sits deep somewhere inside. There are so many questions. So many thoughts. So much heartache.

I will make a mother’s plea for anyone who can tell us some information about the person who took my daughter and Eve Stratford’s lives to come forward. Please, please give us some sort of closure.

1975 was a long time ago but events as traumatic as this stick in the mind so if you know or suspect anyone involved please help us.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said:

DNA work is complex and lengthy and we are still following this line of enquiry. However, I firmly believe there is someone out there who has information about who carried out these murders.

It’s inconceivable the killer of Eve and Lynne has kept the perfect secret for 40 years. It’s a heavy burden to carry and he must have let details slip over the years – maybe to a partner, a friend, even a cellmate – and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact us.

Sadly Eve’s parents have passed away but this man has a chance to bring peace to Lynne’s mother and father, now in their 80s.

DCI McHugh said that it is likely the suspect for  both murders is now in his 60s or 70s.

It is also thought that the killer would have had a knowledge of the Hounslow area.

It is not thought that Lynne and Eve knew each other.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.