£20k reward offered in boy's unsolved murder

A £20,000 reward has been offered for information relating to the unsolved murder of an eight-year-old boy whose remains were discovered in West Sussex woodland.

Vishal Mehrotra was last seen in Putney, South West London, 45 years ago on 29 July, 1981 - the day of the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.

The schoolboy's remains were found seven months later in Alder Copse woods, but more than four decades on nobody has been held responsible for his death.

Det Ch Insp Mark Cullimore said the case had caused "deep shock and heartbreak" to Vishal's family, who had spent every day since his disappearance seeking answers.

The BBC has also looked at the circumstances as part of podcast series, Vishal.

Vishal's sister, Mamta Mehrotra, said: "For us, Vishal was not a headline. He was a son, a brother, a child with his whole life ahead of him. He was loved, and he is still loved.

"After all these years, one piece of information could finally provide the answers our family has waited a lifetime to hear."

Despite extensive investigations, advances in forensic technology and two major case reviews, no-one has ever been identified as being responsible for his death.

Det Ch Insp Cullimore urged anyone with information, "no matter how small or insignificant", to come forward, saying it could be vital in securing justice for Vishal and his family.

Annabelle Goodenough, regional manager for South Central East at Crimestoppers, described it as a "heartbreaking case" and urged anyone "to share what they know with Crimestoppers".

The reward will remain available for three months.

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