Australian police reveal unseen photos 25 years after British backpacker murder

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Australian police reveal unseen photos 25 years after British backpacker murderImage source, Supplied: NT PoliceImage caption, Bradley Murdoch never revealed the location of Peter Falconio's body. BySimon AtkinsonQueenslandPublished18 minutes agoPolice in Australia have released previously unseen photographs from their investigation into the murder of British backpacker Peter Falconio 25 years ago. Falconio, from Huddersfield, was shot on a remote stretch of highway near the Northern Territory town of Barrow Creek, about 186 miles (300km) north of Alice Springs on 14 July 2001.

His body has never been found and police hope the images could jog memories that could lead to a tip-off. His killer, Bradley Murdoch, died of throat cancer aged 67 in jail last year, without disclosing where Falconio's remains might be. The images include a full length picture of Murdoch staring straight at a camera during the police investigation.

The Details

Falconio's girlfriend Joanne Lees escaped from Murdoch, hiding in scrubland for several hours before she was able to wave down two men driving a truck. One of the photographs taken by police shows Lees looking traumatised in the hours after the attack. Others show injuries she sustained, including after her wrists were bound with cable ties.

Image source, Supplied: NT PoliceImage caption, Joanna Lees was photographed hours after the attack in which Bradley Murdoch murdered Peter Falconio. Northern Territory Police Force Commissioner Martin Dole said that 25 years was a "significant milestone" and that he hoped the release of new images could jog memories or lead to a tip-off. "This was a traumatic and horrific event for Ms Lees, and for Peter's family, who have now gone such a long time without the answers they deserve," Dole said.

"While a murderer has been held accountable for his crimes, this investigation can never be considered closed until Peter's remains are found and his family can lay him to rest. "Other photos released by NT Police include of the orange Volkswagen Kombi van the couple had been driving as they travelled around Australia. It was found abandoned just off the Stuart Highway close to where the attack took place.

What Experts Say

Pictures of the crime scene are also among the tranche of pictures. Image source, Supplied: NT PoliceImage caption, The orange Volkswagen Kombi van driven by Joanna Lees and Peter Falconio During his trial in December 2005, the court heard Murdoch, who was then 43, pulled up beside their vehicle, claiming to have seen sparks coming from the camper van Falconio was driving. He then shot Falconio in the head as he inspected the vehicle, before taking 28-year-old Lees into his car and binding her wrists with cable ties, although she managed to escape.

Murdoch was convicted of Falconio's killing by a unanimous jury verdict, and he was also found guilty of the assault and attempted kidnap of Lees.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.