Detectives hunting the killer of schoolgirl Caroline Glachan hope scientific advances will be the key to cracking the case more than two decades on. 

The force confirmed this week that the 14-year-old's murder investigation continues on the 23rd anniversary of her death. 

She was attacked on August 25, 1996 on the banks of the River Leven in Bonhill, Dunbartonshire late at night then left half-submerged in the freezing water to die.

Caroline was killed while taking a shortcut to meet her 18-year-old boyfriend who lived in the neighbouring town of Renton.

A police spokesman told The Daily Record said: “The murder of Caroline Glachan remains under investigation.

“As well as examining all evidence from the time and that obtained over the past 23 years, support has been sought from forensic scientists and other specialists to ensure that all possible evidence is fully explored in line with any advances in science.”

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The Evening Times revealed two years ago that Scotland's top forensic scientists were planning to re-examine hundreds of items of evidence in a bid to solve the murder.

Over 300 items including clothing and samples from the crime scene were to be tested as part of Police Scotland’s fresh bid to catch the killer.

Cops also appealed for information on the murder by appearing on the BBC One show Crimewatch. 

Anyone with information should contact the Operation Fairing Team through 101. Email officers on operationfairing@scotland.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.