The sister of a scientist murdered 40 years ago has appealed for help in trying to find the killer.

Dr Brenda Page, 32, was found dead in her flat on Allan Street in Aberdeen in 1978.

The Lord Advocate instructed police to examine her death again in 2015.

Ms Page was a genetic scientist at the University of Aberdeen when she was murdered while also working as an escort.

Her sister Rita Ling said: "Forty years have passed since Brenda was found and not a day goes by when we don't think about her and the horrendous ordeal she must have suffered that night.

"Brenda was an extremely intelligent woman with her whole life ahead of her.

"It pains us to think of the great things she would have undoubtedly achieved.

"It is important the police and Crown Office have all potential information available to them to bring the person responsible for her death to court. Please come forward if you think you can help."

Ms Page worked in the genetics department at the university's Medical School from 1973 until her murder in 1978.

Officers believe her students could hold the answers to her death.

They also still want to speak to neighbours who lived on Allan Street when she was murdered.

Detective inspector Gary Winter added: "I believe that there are people who lived near Brenda on Allan Street who have possibly never spoken to the police before, or at any great length.

"I don't think there's any untoward reason for this other than they didn't think their information would be useful because it didn't relate to Brenda's death itself.

"I must stress that our enquiries don't just focus on Friday, July 14, 1978, and the hours leading up to her body being found."

He continued: "It is crucial we build a picture of Brenda's life generally as part of our enquiries which is where her neighbours, friends and colleagues come in.

"I appreciate this was a long time ago, however if you do remember anything, I urge you to come forward.

"Brenda worked within the genetics department at the University of Aberdeen Medical School from 1973 until her murder in 1978 and would have crossed paths with many students and academics during this period of her work life.

"We have spoken to many of her former colleagues but I would appeal to any others not previously seen by the police to get in touch for the same reasons.

"If you know of anyone who might not live in this country anymore, I would ask that you share this appeal with them."

He added: "Forensic techniques and processes have changed dramatically over the past 40 years and we continue to use every resource at our disposal to explore information relating to this case.

"It is crucial someone is brought to justice for Brenda's murder."