DARTFORD'S MP is pleased with the progress being made in the hunt for the killer in ‘one of the most brutal, unsolved murders in the country’.

Gareth Johnson met with the Cold Case Investigations team at Chatham police station who are re-examining evidence in the Claire Tiltman case last month.

The 16-year-old schoolgirl was stabbed to death in an alleyway in London Road, Swanscombe in 1993, but despite a huge police investigation, her killer was never found.

Searches were carried out in September this year around the 20th anniversary of her murder.

Mr Johnson said: "I met with the team working to bring a conclusion to the case.

"I saw first- hand the diligent and thorough approach that is being taken by Kent Police.

"I am confident, having spoken to officers involved in the investigation, that they will pursue every possible line of enquiry in the pursuit of justice for Claire.

"It was clear to me that the team were up-beat and working towards a positive outcome."

He added: " The murder remains one of the most brutal, unsolved murders in the country and it is vital that the person responsible is found."