Footprint found near ambush spot

Police have been scouring the Stuart Highway for clues

Police in Australia have discovered a suspicious footprint near to where a British tourist disappeared.

The print could help track the man suspected of shooting Peter Falconio, 28, from Hepworth near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and trying to abduct his girlfriend Joanne Lees, 27, in the outback north of Alice Springs on 14 July.

Australian police have already released an e-fit of the suspect, identified a footprint belonging to Miss Lees and confirmed blood at the scene is Mr Falconio's.

A suspicious footprint has been found near the attack site

But despite roadblocks across the territory and a huge public response to the e-fit, police have failed to make a significant breakthrough.

As the investigation continues, it is being reported that the police believe the gunman may be monitoring radio news.

A police spokeswoman said for this reason the police are withholding information that may help catch the man.

"They have got some information they're not revealing because they don't want to tip off the gunman," she told Reuters news service.

Police are said to be analysing a cast of the latest footprint.

They have also released a sketch of a white 4x4 truck with a chrome bullbar believed to have been used by the gunman.

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The vehicle appears to have been customised as it seems to have an opening that links the cabin with the open back, said police.

They also want to speak to anyone who attended camel races in Alice Springs on Saturday last week who may have seen the couple or the gunman.

The pair had stopped their camper van to help a motorist who claimed the vehicle had broken down.

Ms Lees said she heard what she thought was a gunshot moments after Mr Falconio got out of the van.

The gunman's truck is believed to have been customised

She said the mystery man then pulled her from the vehicle, tied her up and threw her into the back of his van.

Bound and gagged, Miss Lees managed to escape by crawling from the cabin through the opening.

She hid from the gunman for almost six hours before flagging down a passing truck and raising the alarm.

Police are looking into the possibility the couple were followed and trapped by a stalker who was obsessed with Ms Lees, but say the theory is a "last resort".

Ms Lees has made continuous appeals for information about the attacks, while denying speculation that she was sexually assaulted during the attack.

She was being comforted by her stepfather Vincent James, 58, who has flown out to Australia to be with her.

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