Detectives have relaunched a public appeal as the 40th anniversary of Diane Sindall's murder approaches after fresh DNA testing cleared Peter Sullivan, who served 38 years before his conviction was quashed. A new DNA profile recovered from 1986 semen samples is now central to the inquiry, but searches of the national database have returned no match. Merseyside Police say they have excluded 575 people, have 32 under review and have followed more than 200 public calls; Crime Stoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.
Search Continues for Diane Sindall's Killer as 40th Anniversary Nears — New DNA Opens Fresh Leads
Diane Sindall, 21, had been saving up to get married when she was murdered [Police handout]
Detectives in Merseyside have renewed a public appeal to find the person responsible for the murder of Diane Sindall as the 40th anniversary of her death approaches. The investigation was reopened after new DNA testing cleared Peter Sullivan, who spent 38 years in prison before his conviction was quashed last year.
Case background
Sindall, a florist who also worked part-time at a pub to save for her wedding, was attacked in Birkenhead, Merseyside, on the night of 1–2 August 1986. Her partially naked and brutalised body was found in an alley off Borough Road the following morning.
Det Supt Rachel Wilson said it is not too late for someone with information "to do the right thing" [BBC]
New evidence and lines of inquiry
In 2023 the Criminal Cases Review Commission ordered fresh testing of semen samples taken in 1986. A new DNA profile was obtained and proved not to match Sullivan, prompting Merseyside Police to reopen the investigation.
"Finding her murderer is my priority," Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson said, adding that the new DNA profile recovered at the scene "will be key to finding the killer."
Searches of the national DNA database have so far produced no match. Since the case was reopened, the force has followed up more than 200 public calls; detectives say they have excluded 575 people and have 32 individuals currently under review.
Diane Sindall was believed to have run out of petrol just before her murder [Merseyside Police handout]
Public appeal and reward
Crime Stoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Wilson urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, saying someone may know the killer but has not spoken out "through fear or a misplaced sense of loyalty." She added: "It is never too late for someone to do the right thing and come forward."
What investigators are doing now
A dedicated team is conducting a full review of the original inquiries, re-interviewing witnesses, carrying out targeted DNA testing and following up on new leads submitted by the public. Police emphasise that the new DNA profile is central to moving the investigation forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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