The PSNI has reopened an investigation into the murder of an 18-year-old woman whose body was found in a County Tyrone quarry in 1973.

Marian Beattie, who lived in Portadown, was last seen leaving a dance at Hadden's Garage in Aughnacloy with a young man at around 01:00 on Friday 30 March that year.

Her body was found partially clothed at the bottom of Hadden's Quarry some five hours later.

Detective Inspector Peter Montgomery said: "We believe Marian and a man left the dance at Hadden's Garage and went to the nearby car park at the top of Hadden's Quarry about 400 yards away which was frequented by courting couples.

"Marian was an ordinary girl who went to a charity dance and ended up dead. Her family deserve answers to questions which never go away. I believe there is a man, and possibly other people, who know what happened that night."

He continued: "Something happened there but we have no evidence to suggest Marian was sexually assaulted. Her body was found early the next morning at the bottom of the quarry which is between 80-100ft below the car park."

A man was previously arrested and questioned during the initial investigation, but noone was officially charged.

Mr Montgomery added: "I appreciate this happened a long time ago but we would like to talk to anyone who was at the dance at Hadden's Garage on the night of Friday 30 March 1973.

"Marian went there with a girlfriend to listen to her brother's band but who was she dancing with and talking to? Did you see her leave Hadden's Garage? Did you see her at the car park at Hadden's Quarry sometime after 1.15am on the Saturday morning?

"In addition, do you remember someone coming home from that dance in a distressed or dishevelled state, with perhaps dust or dirt on their clothes?

"Or has anyone ever talked about the events of that night? If you can help us to answer any of these questions, we need to talk to you."

The PSNI say information can be passed to detectives on 028 9070 0727 or 07585 22 82 83.

(IT/MH)