South Yorkshire Police reveal 'positive' response to anniversary appeal over unsolved murder

On Thursday, they appealed for anyone with information about the murder of Wendy Gallagher, who was strangled with an electrical cable, to come forward in their bid to help solve a case which has baffled detectives for decades.

The appeal was 30 years to the day that 24-year-old Wendy’s body was found in her home in Princess Street, Barnsley, on January 21, 1991.

Detectives are hoping advances in science, such as DNA technology, will help them crack the case.

They want people who have information not previously disclosed to the police to come forward.

Dave Stopford, head of South Yorkshire Police’s major incident review team, which looks at unsolved murders and serious sexual assaults, said: “We had a very positive response from the public following yesterday’s appeal and are following up some lines of enquiry.”

Wendy was last seen alive in Barnsley town centre on Friday, January 18, 1991 and her body was found three days later after concerns for her welfare were raised.

Supporting the police probe, Wendy’s sister, Maureen said: “Although it’s now been 30 years, the distress of losing a little sister never fades. The trauma of this had a devastating effect on my parents who have now both passed away never getting any justice for the murder of their youngest daughter.”

Anyone with information about the unsolved murder should call the major incident review team on 0114 2961399.

Crimestoppers can be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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