Detectives from the PSNI Legacy Investigation Branch are examining the murder of 18-year-old Marian Beattie. Her body was found at the bottom of a quarry near Aughnacloy in County Tyrone on March 31, 1973.

Beattie attended a charity dance at Hadden’s Garage in Aughnacloy on March 30, 1973, with a girlfriend to hear her brother’s band. She was last seen leaving the event with a young man just after 1am, walking toward Hadden’s Quarry.

The body was located shortly after 6am the next morning below a car park at the top of the quarry, 400 yards from the garage. Detective Inspector McCrissican stated Beattie walked with a man to that car park.

McCrissican requested contact from anyone at the dance who saw Beattie dancing or talking with others, or leaving with a man. He asked for details on her identity in the quarry car park after 1.15am on March 31.

The detective also sought reports of anyone from the event who arrived home upset or with dirt on their clothes. He noted that discussions about the night may have occurred over time.

McCrissican said the family needs to know what happened and called on witnesses to assist the investigation. Contact detectives on 101, online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.