A police investigation into the murder of a teenager found at the bottom of a Co Tyrone quarry 40 years ago has been reopened.
Marian Beattie from Portadown (18), was seen leaving a charity dance in Aughnacloy in 1973 with an unknown man.
Five hours later her partially clothed body was found at the bottom of nearby Hadden’s Quarry between Aughnacloy and Ballygawley.
PSNI serious crime branch detective inspector Peter Montgomery said: “We believe Marian and a man left the dance at Hadden’s Garage and went to the nearby car park at the top of Hadden’s Quarry about 400 yards away which was frequented by courting couples.
“Something happened there but we have no evidence to suggest Marian was sexually assaulted. Her body was found early the next morning at the bottom of the quarry which is between 80-100ft below the car park.”
She went to the dance because her brother played in the band and was seen leaving just after 1am with a young man, police said.
Detectives are working again to identify the man and appealed for him or anybody with information to come forward.
Mr Montgomery added: “I appreciate this happened a long time ago but we would like to talk to anyone who was at the dance at Hadden’s Garage on the night of Friday 30 March 1973. Marian went there with a girlfriend to listen to her brother’s band but who was she dancing with and talking to? Did you see her leave Hadden’s Garage? Did you see her at the car park at Hadden’s Quarry sometime after 1.15am on the Saturday morning?
“In addition, do you remember someone coming home from that dance in a distressed or dishevelled state, with perhaps dust or dirt on their clothes? Or has anyone ever talked about the events of that night?
“If you can help us to answer any of these questions, we need to talk to you.”