21 year-old died of knife wounds to her throat inside her Leyton flat

Eve Stratford, 21, 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.

Six months later, on September 3, 16-year-old schoolgirl Lynne Weedon was raped and murdered near her home in Hounslow.

In 2006, police linked the two murders after analysis found the same DNA on both victims. 

Following last night's Crimewatch appeal, detectives are offering the reward for any information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for the killings.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said the murderer will be in their 50s or 60s and could have let details slip over the years to a partner, friend, prison cellmate or medical professional. 

The BBC appeal featured a 2007 testimony from Miss Stratford's father, Albert, who has since died and was the last remaining family member. 

Miss Stratford was discovered by her boyfriend lying face down with her hands tied behind her back. Her throat had been slashed a number of times from ear to ear.

Eve's route home from Leytonstone Tube station at around 3.30pm

There was no sign of forced entry to the flat and no weapon was ever recovered in her case or in the case of Miss Weedon. 

Police believe the motive in both murders was sexual. Lynne had been raped, and it is likely Eve had also been raped although officers have not been able to rule out consensual sex.

At the time of the double murders, the suspect was described as a white male, aged between 17 and 30.  

Leyton flat: Eve was found dead in her bedroom 

Miss Weedon's mother, Margaret,  has launched a fresh appeal forty years on. 

She 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.

"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."

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