PM's sadness over Scarlett death

Scarlett Keeling was raped and murdered in Goa

Gordon Brown has written to the mother of a teenager murdered in Goa.

Scarlett Keeling, 15, from north Devon, was raped and murdered on Anjuna beach during a family holiday in February.

The Prime Minister told Fiona MacKeown that Britain had offered to "share best practice on forensics and policing" with the Indian authorities.

Replying to a letter Ms MacKeown had sent him in March, Mr Brown said he could not imagine the distress the family was continuing to go through.

Ms MacKeown said she was "surprised and pleased" with the reply.

Whilst we cannot interfere with the investigation, British officials have continually worked to ensure the case is investigated thoroughly Gordon Brown Prime Minister

In the letter, dated 9 May, the prime minister said he understood her frustrations with the ongoing Indian inquiry and British officials had "continually worked" to ensure it was conducted thoroughly.

When Scarlett's half-naked body was found, police initially said her death had been an accidental drowning.

However, after pressure from Ms MacKeown a second post-mortem examination was carried out, the results of which prompted a murder investigation.

Concerned about the police inquiry, Ms MacKeown, 43, of Bradworthy, wrote to Mr Brown.

The Prime Minister wrote back: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of Scarlett's death in February and cannot imagine the distress your family continues to suffer.

"Whilst we cannot interfere with the investigation, British officials have continually worked to ensure the case is investigated thoroughly."

Fiona MacKeown said she wants justice for Scarlett

He told Ms MacKeown the British High Commissioner in New Delhi had discussed the case with the Indian Foreign Minister on April 7 and asked for clarification on the progress of the investigation.

"During this, and other, talks with Indian officials we also raised a number of wider issues that have emerged as a result of Scarlett's death," he wrote.

The Prime Minister said Britain had offered to work with the Indian authorities to improve the safety of British tourists in the state through improving communication and information to tourists.

He added: "We have also offered to share best practice on forensics and policing."

'Surprised'

Scarlett was on holiday with her family, who were travelling elsewhere in the region, when she was killed.

Ms MacKeown has previously claimed drug dealers, politicians and police had collaborated to disguise the killing of her daughter.

Commenting on Mr Brown's letter, she said: "I was surprised and very pleased to get such a reply from the Prime Minister as, to be honest, I had not expected one to my original letter."

Two men have been arrested over Scarlett's death.

Samson D'Souza, 28, has been charged with rape and is in police custody.

Placido Carvalho, who was questioned on suspicion of involvement in Scarlett's rape and murder, was granted bail by a court in Goa on 4 April.