Roadside sign names girl's 'killer'

The memorial to Claire Tiltman who was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack in 1993
12 April 2012

Detectives are investigating a handwritten cardboard sign left on a roadside which claims to name the killer of a grammar schoolgirl murdered 17 years ago.

The piece of cardboard was left among flowers above a plaque near where 16-year-old Claire Tiltman was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack in 1993.

Officers from Kent Police's cold case investigation team have retrieved the cardboard, which names the alleged murderer, the type of car he drove and the company he worked for.

The sign has been sent away for forensic analysis. It is understood the name mentioned is not one that had previously figured in police inquiries.

Police will now be examining the background of the person mentioned and also the firm he allegedly worked for at the time.

Claire was knifed more than 40 times in an alleyway off London Road in Greenhithe, Kent, as she took a short cut to visit friends on January 18, 1993, four days after her 16th birthday.

No one has been charged with murdering Claire, a pupil at Dartford Grammar School for Girls. But police say the investigation is "ongoing" and they pledged to investigate any fresh leads.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Withers, of Kent Police, said: "We will investigate any credible information received in relation to this ongoing investigation."

Claire's father, Cliff Tiltman, who still lives in the home he shared with Claire and his late wife, Linda, said he was not optimistic the development would lead anywhere.

Retired plumber Mr Tiltman, 60, said: "Over the years there have been so many ups and downs that I have let it all go over my head... The name isn't one that rings a bell with me. I suppose, if nothing else, it keeps the case in the public eye, which can only be a good thing."

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