Police probing murder of woman, 31, who was found dead on footpath with head injuries in 1994 release image of item from novelty key ring in fresh appeal to find her killer
Police probing the murder of a woman found dead in 1994 have released a picture of a figurine found at the scene in a fresh appeal to find her killer.
Shona Stevens, 31, was found with serious head injuries on a footpath in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on the afternoon of November 10 1994. She died in hospital days later.
No-one has been convicted over the killing of Ms Stevens, who had a seven-year-old daughter at the time.
Officers have now released an image of a figurine that was found at the scene during the initial forensic examination.
The toy depicts an overweight man wearing a red waistcoat and blue tie, with black shoes but no trousers.
Police said it could have come off a novelty keyring.
Police probing the murder of a woman found dead in 1994 have released a picture of a figurine found at the scene in a fresh appeal to find her killer
No-one has been convicted over the killing of Ms Stevens , who had a seven-year-old daughter at the time
Detective Inspector Fraser Normansell, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: 'We know the item didn't belong to Shona and, while we can't be sure of its origins, we believe it may hold significance to this case.
'Although it was found almost 27 years ago, it's very distinctive and could prove vital to our inquiries. I'm urging anyone with information to come forward and help us get justice for Shona.
'I'm asking anyone who believes they recognise this item or who has any information, no matter how small, to please get in touch.
'We are committed to getting Shona's devastated family the answers they deserve.'
On the day she died, Ms Stevens had visited the Co-op store in Bourtreehill Shopping Centre at around 1pm.
She was last seen alone at about 1.10pm on Towerlands Road.
She was found injured around 200 yards from her home, within a wooded area, at around 1.20pm, near to the rear of Alder Green in the Bourtreehill Park area.
Officers have now released an image of a figurine that was found at the scene during the initial forensic examination