Fresh 'pig farm killings' charges

Police are going through Pickton's farm with a fine tooth comb

A Canadian pig farmer and suspected serial killer will face seven new murder charges, the authorities in British Columbia province say.

The new charges will bring to 22 the number of murder counts against Robert Pickton, prosecutors said on Monday.

Police are investigating the disappearance of more than 60 prostitutes in the Vancouver area over the past two decades.

It is the worst case of alleged serial killing in Canada's history.

Investigators recently completed a 21-month search of Mr Pickton's farm near Vancouver, pulling down buildings brick by brick and sifting through tons of soil and debris.

No trial date has been set - prosecutors said none could be held until next September at the earliest.