The key to solving the 25-year riddle over the brutal murder of a schoolgirl less than a mile from her home lies within a small Norfolk community, police have said.

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

Johanna Young was just 14 years old when she left her home in Merton Road, Watton, on a cold and foggy night the day on December 23 1992.

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

Det Ch Insp Marie James, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigations Team, said: 'I'm convinced that somebody out there knows what happened to Johanna and the events that led to her death - and I'm convinced that the answer lies within the community of Watton.

'I would urge those people to please search their consciences, to please come forward and provide answers for the family.'

Johanna's parents Rob and Carol, who still live in Watton, first realised their daughter hadn't come home when her alarm clock rang at 6am on Christmas Eve but no-one was there to switch it off.

They believed she must have stayed with a friend due to the bad weather but when Johanna didn't arrive for her newspaper round at 7am, they called the police.

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.

Days later, after a heart-wrenching search and investigation, a dog walker found her shoes tucked neatly under a bush on Griston Road on Boxing Day afternoon.

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

He alerted the police, who found Johanna's body a few hundred yards away with her lower clothing removed and her jeans missing, although there was no evidence of a sexual motive.

A post-mortem examination revealed that she had died from drowning after suffering a fractured skull.

A witness has described spotting a couple leaning on a motorbike at the end of Griston Road who have never been identified.

Det Ch Insp James said: 'It was always a possibility, though never proven, that [the head injury] could have been caused by coming off a motorcycle.'

Eastern Daily Press: The pit where Johanna's body was found face down. It was up to seven feet deep in places. Photo: EDP archives.The pit where Johanna's body was found face down. It was up to seven feet deep in places. Photo: EDP archives. (Image: Archant)

Johanna's ex-boyfriend was investigated and cleared at the time. Another young man from the town was arrested but was not charged.

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. Once again though, there was not enough evidence to lead to a conviction.

The atmosphere in Watton after 25 years is still mournful. One resident, who remembered Johanna as a young girl and teenager, described how the entire town felt quiet following the schoolgirl's death.

She added: 'Johanna was a quiet and nice girl. It was incredibly sad.'

Eastern Daily Press: The letter which was delivered anonymously to the EDP shortly after Johanna's murder. It is still a vital clue in her case. Photo: EDP archives.The letter which was delivered anonymously to the EDP shortly after Johanna's murder. It is still a vital clue in her case. Photo: EDP archives. (Image: Archant)

Police have now renewed their appeal for information in this case, which rocked the close-knit community of Watton and has tragically remained unsolved for a quarter of a century.

Det Ch Insp James said: 'Johanna Young is a daughter, a sister and a friend who continues to be dearly missed by those still struggling to come to terms with her death.

'They are left wondering what happened to her, what the events are which led to her death and who is responsible and always wondering if it is someone they knew.

'This time of year is particularly significant for Johanna's family - it's emotionally draining.

Eastern Daily Press: The site on the edge of Wayland Wood where Johanna's body was discovered. Photo: EDP archives.The site on the edge of Wayland Wood where Johanna's body was discovered. Photo: EDP archives. (Image: Archant)

'Twenty-five years ago it was never established who was responsible for her death and the case remains open and we will follow up any new lines of inquiry.'

Anyone who has any information, even if it may seem small or insignificant, is urged to contact the Major Investigations Team on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Eastern Daily Press: Johanna was discovered to be missing on Christmas Eve morning in 1992 when she failed to show up for her newspaper round. Photo: EDP archives.Johanna was discovered to be missing on Christmas Eve morning in 1992 when she failed to show up for her newspaper round. Photo: EDP archives. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Johanna Young coverage from the Eastern Daily Press in 1992.Johanna Young coverage from the Eastern Daily Press in 1992. (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: Police are convinced the key to solving Johanna's murder 25 years on lies in the community of Watton. Photo: EDP archives.Police are convinced the key to solving Johanna's murder 25 years on lies in the community of Watton. Photo: EDP archives. (Image: ©Assignments Photographers. 01603 - 866850)

Eastern Daily Press: Detective Chief Inspector Marie James, senior investigating officer, appealing for any new information on the murder of 14-year-old Johanna Young in Watton 25 years ago. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYDetective Chief Inspector Marie James, senior investigating officer, appealing for any new information on the murder of 14-year-old Johanna Young in Watton 25 years ago. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)