Kent Police has reissued an appeal for information after the body of Terry Edmonds’ was found concealed in a suitcase.

The 17-year-old’s body was found inside a dark green suitcase on Saturday afternoon, near the entrance to Morrison’s car park in Vale Avenue, Tunbridge Wells.

‘Terry’s body was found close to a very public place, overlooked by offices and used widely by motorists’ said Chief Superintendent Mark Salisbury, the area commander for West Kent.

‘The post mortem examination has revealed that the cause of death was asphyxiation probably through strangulation and we believe she had been sexually assaulted.  Forensic tests are being carried out expeditiously.’

‘We would like people who saw anything that appeared unusual or someone acting suspiciously in the area around Vale Avenue to call the incident room.

‘Did you see anyone with a similar suitcase? Did you notice an unattended suitcase and, if so, when and where? Any information, no matter how trivial you think it may be, could be important to our inquiry, so please call us.’

At a press conference held at Tonbridge police station, Ch Supt Salisbury also asked for anyone who may have seen Terry on or after 17 April - Easter Monday - to contact detectives.

‘Terry told a friend she was going to visit family in Hadlow. She was last seen about 6.20 pm on Easter Monday 17 April near Tunbridge Wells Railway station, and prior to that about 6.00 pm the same day in Tonbridge High Street where we believe she boarded a train to Tunbridge Wells. Photographs of Terry show her in the clothing she was wearing on 17 April. Did you see her and if so, what was she doing? Was she with someone when you noticed her?’

Terry was a white, slim young woman, 5ft 4in in height with shoulder length straight brownish to red hair. When last seen she was wearing a grey tracksuit, jacket and trousers with pink stripes around the waistband of both the jacket and trousers. She was also wearing a white top and a brown body warmer with a fur hood.

Anyone with information about either the suitcase or Terry is urged to call the incident room hotline number – 01732 379 302. Alternatively you can contact Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to leave your name and you could be eligible for a cash reward.

Around 50 police officers and staff are now working on the investigative team.

Officers have been carrying out house-to-house enquiries in area surrounding the spot where Terry’s body was found. Meanwhile, forensics officers are examining the suitcase for further clues to who killed her.

Ch Supt Salisbury continued: ‘Whilst I acknowledge that this is an appalling crime I would emphasise that it is an extremely rare situation for a safe environment such as Tunbridge Wells. People who live and work in the town will be particularly distressed by this unusual event and whilst it is uncommon I cannot rule out the fact that the offender may still be at large and I would therefore suggest that people remain vigilant.’

A 26-year-old local man was arrested on Saturday afternoon after Terry’s body was found.

He is being held on suspicion of Terry’s murder and continues to be questioned by detectives at a police station in Kent.