Police review Jodi Jones murder probe

An independent team will today begin a review of police investigation into the murder of Scottish teenager Jodi Jones.

Fourteen-year-old Jodi's body was found on June 30 in a wooded area near Dalkeith. She had been killed in a "frenzied and vicious attack".

The review officers have not previously worked on the case and will provide a "fresh pair of eyes" for the investigation that has been carried out by Midlothian police.

Headed up by former Head of CID, Chief Superintendent Douglas Watson, the review is "standard practice" in cases of unsolved murders and serious crimes where an arrest is still being sought after a period of one month.

The review team will examine all the information available and will have access to experts in search, forensic practices and any other areas they may require. Their role will be to ensure that every avenue of investigation is considered and to suggest any potential new lines of enquiry.

Meanwhile, police have renewed their appeal for information one month on from the murder of Midlothian teenager Jodi Jones.

Jodi had left her home at 5pm that evening, a Monday night, to go and meet her boyfriend. When she failed to arrive the alarm was raised when her mother became concerned that she was late home.

Her body was found shortly before midnight when family went out to look for her.

The police say they have received several hundred calls from the public with information, all of which will be processed by the squad based at Dalkeith police station.

DI Tom Martin said: "However we still believe that there may be some people who are following the story of Jodi's murder and wondering whether they too should contact police. Someone thinking just that, could hold the critical piece of information that we need to take the investigation forward."

Police released the description of one man they want to speak to – he is white, stocky build, 5'07" to 5'10", short untidy possibly light brown hair which appeared curly or wavy on top. In his late teens or early 20's, he may have been wearing a grey hooded sweat top and carrying a backpack or rucksack.

Anyone with information about the Jodi Jones enquiry is asked to contact the incident room on 0131 654 5576.

(GMcG)