Thirty years on: Crimestoppers renews appeal in Janet Murgatroyd murder

We're appealing for information on the 30th anniversary of the murder of Janet Murgatroyd, renewing a call for the public’s help to bring those responsible to justice.

Janet Murgatroyd, aged 20, was killed in the early hours of Sunday 16 June 1996 after a night out in Preston town centre. Thirty years on, as a charity, independent of the police, Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information given directly to us that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

Janet had been out with a friend on the evening of Saturday 15 June 1996, a day marked by the Manchester Arndale bombing and the England v Scotland Euro 96 match.

The pair were at the Adelphi pub before becoming separated. Janet left the pub with a known man who she walked down Fishergate with before they parted company in the Church Street area. CCTV later captured Janet walking alone along Fishergate, heading towards her home in Penwortham.

It is known that Janet paused near Preston Railway Station, where her purse was stolen. She then continued down Fishergate Hill towards Penwortham Bridge.

At some point after reaching the bridge, Janet was subjected to a violent attack on Holme Road near to the entrance of Priory Park, on the south side of the River Ribble. She sustained fatal head injuries and was later found in the river by members of the public on the morning of Sunday 16 June.

Despite the passage of time, Crimestoppers believes someone may still hold vital information about what happened that night.

Do you have information but don't want to speak directly to the police? You can tell us what you know and remain 100% anonymous. Guaranteed.

Call Crimestoppers free, any time, on 0800 555 111, or complete our quick and secure online form here on our website:

Give information anonymously

“Thirty years on, Janet’s family and loved ones continue to live with the pain of not knowing who was responsible for her death. Time passing does not diminish the importance of information, and loyalties and circumstances can change. What may have felt difficult to share in 1996 could feel very different today.

“Crimestoppers is independent and guarantees anonymity. We do not ask for your name, and we cannot trace your call or online report. If you know something about what happened to Janet that night, however small it may seem, please come forward. Your information could make a real difference in finally providing answers and justice.”

Mick Duthie, Crimestoppers Director of Operations 

Crimestoppers is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We do not and cannot trace your call or track your IP address. This means no police, no courts, no witness statements. You may think your information is insignificant - however, it could make all the difference. 

***Note: Information passed directly to the police will not qualify for a reward***

Anonymity

Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity, meaning that people who call or contact us online can pass on what they know without ever giving any personal details. Computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility.

Claiming a reward

The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police. A reward code must be asked for when calling our charity on 0800 555 111. If you contact us via our online form anonymously, the 'keeping in contact’ facility must be used and a reward code must be requested on your initial contact.
 
More details about the rewards process – at the heart of which is ensuring you stay 100% anonymous - can be found here.

15 June 2026