Forty years to the day, detectives are appealing for information in the murder of a playboy bunny and schoolgirl.

Eve Stratford died of neck injuries on March 18, 1975, aged just 21 at her home in Lyndhurst Drive, Leyton, at around 4.30pm.

An occupant in another flat at the converted house in Lyndhurst Drive heard the voices of a man and a woman in conversation.

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 5.20pm in the bedroom.

Eve, who worked as a playboy bunny, had a nylon stocking tied around one ankle and a scarf around her hands.

Her neck had been cut between eight and 12 times.

A post-mortem examination held at Walthamstow Mortuary gave cause of death as knife wounds to the throat.

There was no sign of forced entry to the flat and no weapon was ever recovered.

In July 2006, following a review and advances in technology, it was determined the same DNA found in the murder of Eve Stratford was also found in the murder case of 16-year-old Lynne Weedon, and the two investigations were linked.

On September 3, 1975, at around 11.20pm, schoolgirl Lynne was raped and murdered near her home in Hounslow.

On her way home after an evening with friends, she was hit on the head with a blunt instrument and raped in an alleyway called The Short Hedges.

She never regained consciousness and died at West Middlesex Hospital a week later.

The murders remain unsolved despite extensive enquiries but officers hope the passage of time may now encourage someone to come forward with information.

A £40,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for the murders remains on offer.

Police said the suspect for both murders is likely to now be in his 60s or 70s.

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.

It appears the motive 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.

Investigating officer detective chief inspector Noel McHugh, from the homicide and major crime command (HMCC), said: "An extraordinary amount of time has passed since Lynne and Eve were murdered, and I am still confident that someone out there has information which could lead us to the killer.

"One phone call to the incident room could be all that it takes to bring two bereaved families closer to some closure or justice.

"I urge you to examine your conscience and if you are wavering on making that call, think of Eve's family who have now passed away and Lynne's parents who are in their 80s and have endured 40 dreadful years not knowing who murdered their daughter.

“Perhaps the person who killed Lynne and Eve confided in you?

"Please do not keep their secret for a day longer and come forward."

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