'No stone unturned' in Falconio case

The couple were on a trip across Australia

Australian police have vowed to leave "no stone unturned" in finding British backpacker Peter Falconio - one year after he disappeared in the Australian outback.

"We are as committed to solving this case as we were 12 months ago," said Northern Territory Police Assistant Commissioner John Daulby.

The team announced on Friday, however, that they were scaling back their investigation, with officers working on the case cut from 12 to seven.

Ambushed

Mr Falconio disappeared on a deserted stretch of highway on 14 July last year while on holiday with his girlfriend Joanne Lees.

Miss Lees, 27, told police that a gunman ambushed them after flagging down their camper van as they were travelling north of Alice Springs.

He attacked the couple and attempted to abduct them.

Miss Lees was tied up but she managed to escape and hide in the bush.

An e-fit of the suspect

Mr Falconio, 28, has not been seen since the attack although a blood trail was found by the roadside. Police believe he has been killed.

Mr Daulby said: "My thoughts go out to the Falconio family who have had a terrible time over the past 12 months not only dealing with what they know in their hearts is most probably the death of their son.

"I know they will not be able to find peace until this case is resolved.

"I have assured them that with the help of the public this case continues to be very much alive."

Criticism

He said that although five officers were being taken off the case, "at any time the team can be boosted in numbers".

The Northern Territory police had received widespread criticism for a slow start to the inquiry and delays in releasing crucial evidence.

These included the clothes worn by the victims and an e-fit of the attacker.

But a recent internal review of the police investigation cleared officers of any major mistakes.

In response, Mr Daulby announced two officers would be appointed later this month to audit the case.

'Possible sightings'

"We are as committed to solving this case as we were 12 months ago," he said.

"In the past year, we have had a fantastic response from diligent members of the public who continue to keep watch for possible sightings of the Falconio gunman, his vehicle or any suspicious behaviour they observe."

He said the force had received about 250 calls over the past five weeks from members of the public with information about the case.