Detectives were today following up potential new leads in the Janine Downes murder investigation – after a fresh appeal for information led to “five or six” phone calls coming in.

Police revisited the layby in Shropshire yesterday, where Janine was found 20 years ago, as part of a cold case review into her murder.

Her body was found half-naked near a hedge on the A464, east of Shifnal, on February 2, 1991. She had been strangled and sexually assaulted.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, leading the team, told assembled media at the layby he believed someone was concealing a “nugget” of information that would lead police to Janine’s killer.

He said police were “convinced” there were people who knew who had killed Janine and hoped the 20-year anniversary would spark someone to come forward.

February 2, 2011: DCI Neil Jamieson, right, makes a statement to reporters at the spot on the A464, near Shifnal, where Janine Downes' body was found twenty years before

Speaking today Mr Jamieson said: “We are quite pleased with the response we received following yesterday’s renewed appeal.

“We received five or six calls, of which every one had something of interest to say.

“We will be following up the information given to us – the renewed appeal certainly seems to have triggered the memory of some people. We would like to thank the media for all of their help. We will pledge to continue to highlight the issues surrounding Janine’s death until her killer has been brought to justice.”

Janine’s father John Downes, from Wolverhampton, yesterday issued an emotional plea for someone to break their silence 20 years after her death.

He said somebody must have known who killed her and urged them to come forward. He said had DNA technology been available at the time it could have provided a breakthrough. He added it was “upsetting for the family”.

Anybody with information should call Telford police on 0300 333 3000, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Janine, from Wolverhampton, was just 5ft tall and weighed less than eight stone. She had been strangled with a ligature and suffered extensive head wounds caused by a weapon. She had also been sexually assaulted.

By Wayne Beese