1.30pm update

Outback remains not UK backpacker

Remains found in a dam in a remote part of the Australian outback are not those of missing British backpacker Peter Falconio, police said today.

The remains, which were discovered near the town of Marla, South Australia, were initially believed to have been part of a human torso.

However, tests by forensic pathologists in Adelaide proved that they were animal remains. A spokesman for South Australia police said today: "It's from a large animal. It could have been a horse or a cow - we're not sure."

The find had sparked speculation that the search for Mr Falconio, from Hepworth, West Yorkshire, could be over. His family had hoped that the remains would prove to be his so they could hold a funeral.

He was last seen on July 14 2001, while on a backpacking trip with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees.

Despite a massive manhunt across an area five times the size of Britain, there has been no sign of Mr Falconio since he and Ms Lees were ambushed by a gunman as they drove along a remote stretch of highway in the Northern Territory.

Ms Lees was kidnapped, but managed to escape. She hid in the bush while the attacker hunted her with a dog, and later flagged down a passing motorist.

Bradley John Murdoch, 44, has been charged with murdering Mr Falconio. The remains at Marla were 750 miles from where Mr Falconio was last seen.

Following the find, divers were sent in to search the water around the dam, but found nothing. Police and local people launched a search of the surrounding area, aided by police helicopters.

The police spokesman said: "It was a false alarm, and everyone is going home now."

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