Three decades after a young woman was brutally murdered in Tunbridge Wells her parents have launched a new appeal for help catching the killer.

Wendy Knell was killed at her bedsit in Guildford Road, Tunbridge Wells, on June 23, 1987. The 25-year-old shop manager had been sexually assaulted and beaten.

Speaking to Kent Police as the force launches a fresh bid to uncover more information, Pam and Bill Knell said they are hopeful someone one day, will come forward with the crucial piece of information.

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Mrs Knell said: "Just before it happened I turned 50 and they all said to me your life begins at 50. Then that happened and my life finished as I knew it then."

Mr Knell is 82 and gravely ill with cancer. The retired bus driver from Tonbridge added: "It affected our married life as well because from the day she was killed Pam couldn't bear me near her. If I put my arms around her she just goes 'don't do that'.

"So the only thing I could do was move to the other bedroom and I have been there ever since. She has got her bedroom and I have got mine, so I have not only lost a daughter, I have lost a wife and gained a sister."

Police are linking Wendy's killing to a second murder in the town months later.

Caroline Pierce, 20, also a shop manager, was also sexually assaulted and murdered.

She was attacked outside her bedsit home in Grosvenor Park on November 24. Her body was later found 40 miles away in a field near St Mary in the Marsh, Romney Marsh, on December 15.

Both women had been beaten and strangled and lived alone in basement bedsit flats, and both were brunettes who worked in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells.

Two distinctive sets of key rings were stolen from each woman.

Rob Vinson, detective superintendent, said: "She was 25, she had her whole life ahead of her and that was brutally taken away from her on that day. Five months later Caroline Pierce, who was only 20 was also attacked and murdered in Tunbridge Wells.

"Why did he have to kill her? Was it because she knew him? There is always that question." - Bill Knell, Wendy's father

"Unless you have been through something similar I don't think anyone can imagine the sheer horror that those families have been through all these years.

"We will not rest until we bring to justice the person or persons responsible for these murders."

Mr Knell added: "I have quite a lot of cancer on my liver and my lungs and the lining of my stomach and the hospital and the specialists say they can't do any more for me.

"If I wake up every morning it's a bonus but I would really, really like in court before the end comes to know who it was.

"Why did he have to kill her? Was it because she knew him? There is always that question."

If you have any information call 01622 604100 or email west.division.media.appeals@Kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference SC/000068/07.