Police are investigating the disappearance of a teenage girl more than 80 years after she was reported missing after an apparent death-bed confession.

Emma Alice Smith, 16, went missing in 1926 as she cycled between her home in Waldron, East Sussex, and a local railway station, and has never been seen since.

Her disappearance was investigated by police at the time and was reported by the local press but no trace of her was ever found.

Sussex Police's Major Crime Branch said it had taken the unusual step of looking into the case again after receiving new information from the girl's family.

It is believed Emma's late sister Lilian once told neice Sheila, now 71, that the murderer confessed on his death bed in the 50s but no one went to the police.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles confirmed it was possible Emma was murdered near her home and dumped in a nearby pond.

He said: "This is a very unusual case. We have been approached by a member of Emma's family who has indicated that there is a possibility that she was murdered close to Waldron or Horam and that her body was disposed of locally."

He added: "Clearly the family are keen to trace the body of Emma, if that is possible, in order that she can be given a proper burial and laid to rest with her close family.

"I am keen to hear from anyone locally who may recall the disappearance of Emma being spoken of. A number of local people have already assisted us and have been able to fill in some of the many gaps which exist.

"Given the years which have passed this is inevitably a difficult task."