A FRESH appeal is being launched into the murder of a prostitute 16 years after she was found strangled in her flat.

Christine McGovern, 47, was found naked by her friend at her home in Hamilton Road, Walthamstow, at around noon on Thursday, June 22, 1995.

Detectives believe Ms McGovern, who worked from home and lived alone with her Rottweiler dog, was murdered by someone she knew.

She had suffered a broken spine, severe bruising, but a post-mortem examination later gave the cause of death as asphyxiation.

Detective Inspector Ken Hughes, of the Homicide and Serious Crime Command, said: "We are appealing for anyone who didn't originally come forward to contact us.

"Circumstances change over the years and it may be someone now feels they can approach us in confidence and anonymously if they wish.

"Even if you just have a hunch or had suspicions about someone at the time we would like to hear from you.”

“We can quickly eliminate people from the enquiry from the evidence we have recovered from the scene but a piece of information you may think is useless could be crucial."

Christine McGovern was last seen alive in the street outside her house at 6.30pm on the night before her body was discovered.

A number of witnesses reported hearing a dog barking at 11pm that night and police believe it may have been the victim's.

There was no forced entry into her home, but it had been ransacked.

A video recorder, a satellite decoder, four gold rings and a gold necklace with a St Christopher's pendant were all missing.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8345 3734 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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