The murders of a Playboy bunny girl and a school pupil will be reconstructed on BBC Crimewatch tonight 40 years after their brutal deaths.

Eve Stratford, 22, was found stabbed to death in her flat in Lyndhurst Drive, Leyton, on March 18 1975 and her murder has remained unsolved despite extensive enquiries.

Tonight's broadcast will feature 2007 testimony from her father, Albert Stratford, who died before seeing his daughter's murderer found.

Police investigating will make a direct plea to their murderer, who will be in their 60s or 70s, to hand themselves in.

In 2006, police linked Miss Stratford’s murder with the rape and subsequent death of Lynne Weedon, 16, in Hounslow in September 1975, after analysis found the same DNA on both victims. .

Eve was last seen by witnesses walking near her home in the snow and she appeared to be alone.

At 4.30pm an occupant in another flat at the converted house heard the voices of a man and a woman in conversation, which did not sound heated or confrontational.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Eve Stratford, 22, worked for Playboy club

A short while later, the witness recalled hearing a loud thud noise coming from Eve's first-floor flat.

Her body was discovered by her boyfriend at 5.25pm in the bedroom.

Miss Stratford had a nylon stocking tied round one ankle and a scarf round her hands.

Her neck had been cut between eight and 12 times.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said it's inconceivable the killer of Eve and Lynne has kept the 'perfect secret' for 40 years.

He said: "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."

Lynne Weedon died in hospital a week after being found raped near an electricity sub-station in Hounslow.

Her skull had been smashed with a blunt instrument.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Schoolgirl Lynne Weedon was found  raped with serious injuries

DCI McHugh said:"The families of Eve and Lynne had spent decades not knowing who brutally killed their loved ones and they surely deserve some answers.

"I am hopeful tonight's renewed appeal on BBC Crimewatch will encourage someone to come forward with information."

The homicide investigator said that it is likely the suspect for both murders is now in his 60s or 70s.

He added: "The man who carried out these murders is now of a different, older generation. I would imagine he must have reflected upon his actions every day over the past 40 years.

"Does he feel guilt, remorse, a need to explain what happened? 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.

"I am directly appealing to that person to come forward and speak to us and make things right for the sake of the families affected."

Detectives are keeping an open mind but have previously said it is possible the killer knew his victims, particularly Eve who had a huge circle of friends and acquaintances.

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