A REVIEW has been launched 25 years after the unsolved murder of a schoolgirl.

Billie-Jo Jenkins was beaten to death at her foster home in Hastings in 1997.

The 13-year-old was found lying on the patio of the home in Lower Park Road, having been battered over the head with a tent peg.

Her foster father Sion Jenkins was formally acquitted of her murder in 2006.

Almost 25 years on from her death, Sussex Police are set to conduct a forensic review of material linked the unsolved murder.

The Argus: Billie-Jo Jenkins when she was beaten to death at her foster home in Hastings in 1997 Billie-Jo Jenkins when she was beaten to death at her foster home in Hastings in 1997

Police say the review is part of a "regular assessment process" to establish if scientific advances can provide new evidence in cold cases, according to BBC.

Billie-Jo, who was killed as she painted the patio doors, had lived with Sion Jenkins, his ex-wife Lois and their four daughters since 1992.

The family had become her legal guardians shortly before her death.

Mr Jenkins was found guilty of murdering his foster daughter in 1998 and served six years in prison, but was acquitted following a second re-trial.

He has always denied murdering Billie-Jo.

Sussex Police said in a statement that each unsolved murder is "assessed two-yearly to examine any new information that may have become available".

"Currently, no new information has been provided in this case and it is not being re-investigated,” a police spokesman said.

"We are currently carrying out a forensic review of material held on the case in order to establish whether or not scientific advances can provide new evidence or lines of enquiry."

The force is continuing to appeal for anyone with information that could help the enquiry to come forward.