30 years on: Thames Valley Police reopen murder of Vera Holland in Reading
The unsolved 1996 murder of Vera Holland, whose burnt remains were found at a Reading fly-tip, is under fresh review. Thames Valley Police are appealing for new witnesses.
Cold case review: Vera Holland's body found burning at Reading fly-tip in 1996
Thames Valley Police have launched a fresh appeal for witnesses in the unsolved murder of Vera Holland, 30 years after her burnt remains were discovered at an illegal dump site near the A327 in Reading, bbc.com reports.
Holland, 47, of St Barnabas Road in Shinfield Rise, was found face down on a burning pile of rubbish by firefighters responding to a fly-tip call on 16 November 1996. She had been reported missing two days earlier and was last seen purchasing fast food close to her home.
Her son Andrew Bennett and daughter Dawn Reid said in a joint statement: "What made mum's death even more difficult for us was the callous way her body was dumped amongst rubbish and then set fire to. It robbed her of any dignity. We have had 20 years of not knowing who did this. There must be some people that have information that could help police."
Peter Beirne, head of the major crime unit review team, said the public had come forward with information in 1996 but that he believes others remain who have not yet spoken to police. "It might be that allegiances have changed in the last 20 years, or you know something now you didn't at the time," Beirne said. "Vera's family have waited a long time for justice. With your help we can find out what happened and bring those responsible to justice."
The case is now being reviewed by the force's major crime unit.
Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)