Missing girl anniversary appeal

Police have started a fresh enquiry into Vicky's disappearance

Police have made a fresh appeal for information about the disappearance of Falkirk schoolgirl Vicky Hamilton exactly 16 years after she vanished.

The 15-year-old was last seen in Bathgate, West Lothian, in 1991, where she was due to change buses.

Despite a major search, detectives failed to trace her at the time and began a fresh inquiry last November.

They are distributing posters and leaflets in the area and are treating the case as a murder investigation.

DNA testing

Retired detective superintendent Bert Swanson, who is leading the review, believes scientific advances made since the case was first examined may help police officers.

Police are hoping for a breakthrough using DNA testing on Vicky's purse, which was found in Edinburgh several days after she went missing.

Relatives admit that they have given up seeing Vicky alive again and have welcomed the fresh developments.

A cold-case examination will be carried out and an assessment will then be prepared for senior police officers and procurator fiscal service.