New push in murder inquiry

The police will re-examine evidence from the scene

Detectives investigating the murder of a German student in County Antrim 12 years ago have said new tests are being carried out in a new attempt to catch her killer.

The body of 19-year-old Inga Maria Hauser from Munich was found with her neck broken at Ballypatrick forest park near Ballycastle on 20 April 1988.

Inga Maria Hauser was found murdered in forest park

The police have said that due to advancements in scientific techniques, items from the murder scene are being re-examined.

DNA tests have been carried out on more than 300 people in an effort to apprehend the murderer.

Ms Hauser disappeared for 10 days after she was last seen on a ferry which left Stranraer, Scotland for Larne in County Antrim.

She had earlier arrived in Britain and had intended to meet a university friend in Cardiff later, but in the meantime decided to go to Scotland and then Northern Ireland.

Hundreds of people who had been on the ferry, including soldiers and lorry drivers, were questioned by RUC detectives as part of a huge investigation centred on Northern Ireland's north coast.

Ms Hauser's personal diary was recovered at the spot where her body was discovered by a passing forestry worker, 10 days after the last entry was made.

Her rucksack was also found.

Police checked a series of sightings over the period she had been missing, but were never able to identify a suspect.

An RUC spokesman said: "Someone must be aware as to who was responsible for the horrific murder."