Answer to solving murder of Shona Stevens 'still lies in Irvine'

Shona Stevens, 31, was brutally attacked just yards from her home in Middleton Park on November 10, 1994.

Now 25 years later her family are 'as confident as ever' that the vicious killer will be brought to justice.

Officer DSU Livingstone revealed that police believe the answer to the unsolved murder lies within the local community and are begging for residents to come forward.

In a heart breaking message her mother and daughter pleaded with the public to think back to any information they have on that November morning to finally bring them some closure.

Shona stayed in Alder Green with her mum Mhairi Smith and seven-year-old daughter Candice Stevens.

The tragic young mum walked the path that ran along the back of her home when the beast lunged at her between 1pm and 1.30pm and carried our the frenzied attack. She was just yards from her back door.

Her killer left her beaten, battered and unconscious.

She was airlifted from the scene and taken to hospital but medics were unable to save her.

She died three days later.

Now a quarter of a century later police and Shona's family refuse to give up on the case.

Mum Mhairi Smith, 85, said: “It has been 25 years since Shona was taken from us and we are still as hopeful as ever that those responsible for her murder can be brought to justice. 

“I cannot emphasise enough how important even the smallest piece of information could be in being able to give me and my family closure. 

“I want to know who was responsible for this attack and why they did it. 

“If you have any information about Shona and her murder, please contact the police.” 

Daughter Candice Stevens, 32, said: “I was only seven at the time of my mum’s murder but that does not make it any easier to deal with. 

“I spent a large part my childhood years growing up without my mum and I would please ask anyone who knows anything about the incident to please come forward.” 

Full story in next week's Irvine Times.