Reward to catch outback gunman

Peter Falconio has not been seen since 14 July

Australian authorities searching for a gunman believed to have shot dead British tourist Peter Falconio are offering a Aus$250,000 (£89,000) reward.

The Northern Territory government also announced it would offer indemnity from prosecution to any accomplice willing to turn in the suspect.

The reward reflects the concern held by police as to the whereabouts of Peter Falconio

Northern Territory minister Mike Reed

Mr Falconio, 28, has not been seen since he and girlfriend Joanne Lees, 27, were ambushed by a gunman on a remote highway 175 miles north of Alice Springs.

Police said an appeal made by Miss Lees at a press conference on Wednesday has resulted in more than 300 calls from the public.

Public appeal

Northern Territory minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Mike Reed said they were offering the reward following advice from the commissioner of police.

"The commissioner has recommended a reward is now appropriate to keep up the momentum of information flowing to police which may assist their investigation and to capitalise on the public support received to date," he said.

Detectives issued an e-fit of the gunman

"The reward reflects the concern held by police as to the whereabouts of Peter Falconio and the requirement for every possible avenue to be explored in an endeavour to locate the missing man."

The money is being offered for information that leads to the capture and conviction of the gunman.

Police believe information from the public is the most likely source of a breakthrough in the search for the Briton, who has not been seen since 14 July.

Click here to see map of the outback

On Wednesday they revealed they are investigating a similar incident in the area 18 months ago.

A man, matching the description Miss Lees has given police, stopped a motorist and told him sparks were coming out of the back of his car - the same comment made by the man who attacked the British couple.

Reading from a pre-prepared statement at a press conference, Miss Lees said that she "was feeling positive and strong".

"I am confident that everything is being done and I'm hoping that one of these leads that police are following up will lead to Pete being found."

Miss Lees, from Almondbury, near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, asked for her privacy to be respected, and rounded on what she saw as doubts over her story in the media.

Outback ambush

The pair had stopped their camper van after a motorist claimed there was a problem with the vehicle.

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

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.

Click here to return