Police scale down Falconio inquiry

The couple were on a trip across Australia

Police are to cut back the number of officers investigating the disappearance a year ago of British backpacker Peter Falconio in the Australian outback.

Northern Territory Police Assistant Commissioner John Daulby will take five officers off the 12-strong investigating team.

He made the announcement as he marked the anniversary of the roadside ambush 190 miles north of Alice Springs in which Mr Falconio, 28, vanished.

We are as committed to solving this case as we were 12 months ago

John Daulby, police assistant commissioner

His girlfriend, Joanne Lees, 27, escaped the lone attacker who flagged down the couple's camper van on the deserted Stuart Highway on 14 July last year.

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, but also recent unfounded criticism of him.

Family anguish

"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.

"However, dependent upon the weight of information received I expect to withdraw five members from its current strength of 12 later this month.

"Although it must be appreciated that at any time the team can be boosted in numbers."

An e-fit of the suspect

Miss Lees told police a gunman ambushed them on a deserted highway and she heard shots from the back of the van where her boyfriend was talking to the attacker.

She never saw Mr Falconio again and his body has never been found although a blood trail was found by the roadside.

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

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

They had received widespread criticism for a slow start to the inquiry and delays in releasing crucial evidence.

Public support

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

Mr Daulby said: "As a result of recommendations from the review team, two additional experienced detectives will also be tasked later this month to conduct an investigative audit on the case.

"This is expected to start on July 23.

"We are determined to leave no stone unturned in our resolve to solve this investigation."

Mr Daulby has called on the Australian community to continue helping police track down the gunman.

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