One of Norfolk's most notorious cold cases remains unsolved 30 years after the brutal murder of a schoolgirl.

Johanna Young was found dead in a water-filled pit in woods near Watton on Boxing Day 1992, sparking the county's biggest ever murder inquiry. 

The 14-year old had gone missing on a cold and foggy evening of December 23.

Her body was found less than a mile from her home, lying face down in a flooded pit on the edge of Wayland Wood.

Eastern Daily Press: Johanna's last known movementsJohanna's last known movements (Image: Newsquest)

Three decades on the circumstances surrounding her death remains a mystery. 
Norfolk police have confirmed the investigation remains open and is subject to periodic reviews by the force’s cold case team

A major investigation took place during 1993 but, despite a number of arrests of local men, nobody has been charged in connection with Johanna’s death.

Following the 21st anniversary appeal of Johanna's murder, Norfolk police had the 'best response' they had ever received from the public regarding a cold case which led to two more suspects being arrested in 2014. 

A further renewed appeal was made on the 25th anniversary in 2017.

Johanna's parents first realised their daughter hadn't come home when her alarm clock rang at 6am on Christmas Eve. 

She had last been seen on Watton High Street near Mr Chippy, which is now called Little Gary's Plaice, at around 8pm on December 23.

After a high profile search a dog walker found her trainers in undergrowth on Griston Road on Boxing Day afternoon.

The body of Johanna was found about 120m away in a water-filled marlpit. Her lower clothing had been removed, her jeans were missing.

Her death was caused by drowning and a fractured skull.

Eastern Daily Press: Police at the site on Griston Road where Johanna's body was discovered on Boxing Day in 1992. Police at the site on Griston Road where Johanna's body was discovered on Boxing Day in 1992. (Image: Newsquest)

Although the anniversary of her death hasn’t been marked by a fresh appeal, police have previously said they believe the key to solving the 30-year riddle lies within a small Norfolk community.

“We will continue to seek any new information on this difficult case from the people in Watton and surrounding areas that can help bring closure to the case for the family of Johanna,” they said.

Anyone with information can contact police on 01953 423819 or via unsolvedcasereviews@norfolk.police.uk

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.