Norfolk's chief constable has been 'delighted' with the response to a new appeal into the murder of Natalie Pearman and insisted there is a 'real opportunity' to solve it.

Eastern Daily Press: Natalie pearman murder 20 Nov 1992Natalie pearman murder 20 Nov 1992 (Image: Archant)

The 16-year-old, who had been working as a prostitute in Norwich's red light district, was found by a lorry driver at Ringland Hills at 3.50am on Thursday, November 20 1992.

She was last seen alive in Rouen Road, Norwich, at 1.15am on the same day.

A post mortem examination revealed she had died from asphyxiation.

MORE: Norfolk detectives receive new names in hunt for killer of Natalie Pearman after encouraging response to new appeal into 1992 murderThe case remains unsolved but police have been 'encouraged' by the initial response to a fresh appeal by Norfolk and Suffolk's Joint Major Investigation Team which so far prompted about 15 calls including some new names.

Norfolk's chief constable Simon Bailey said: 'Delighted with the new information that's coming in.

'The murder of Natalie Pearman is one of the most long-standing and outstanding cases that we've got and we've got a real opportunity to solve it so I would encourage anyone sitting on information to come forward.'

Mr Bailey said any bit of information anyone might have, no matter how small, could prove vital in helping to solve the case and getting justice for Natalie's family.

MORE: Police launch new bid to catch Natalie Pearman's killer 25 years after discovery of her body near Norwich

The calls received by police have led to new lines of inquiry.

It follows a renewed appeal launched on Monday - the 25th anniversary of the discovery of Natalie's body on the outskirts of Norwich.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Millar, who leads the cold case team within the MIT, said: 'Natalie's murder is one of those cases that could be easily solved with one piece of information.

'There are people who know or strongly suspect who was responsible and I'm sure that plays heavily on their conscience. All we need is a name and we will do the rest, it is a simple matter of matching DNA. Natalie was little more than a child when she was murdered and her and her family deserve that this case is resolved.'

At the time of the initial investigation, a DNA crime profile was obtained and loaded onto the national DNA database.

More than 4,000 people have been interviewed as part of the investigation with a large number providing samples for DNA testing.

But despite advances in DNA profiling over the years there has been no match to date.

The investigation has never been closed and has been subject to reviews since 1992.

Anyone with information should call the cold case team on 01953 424538 or 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.