New photofit released in hunt for missing tourist

Australian police hunting a man wanted in connection with the disappearance of British tourist Peter Falconio today released a new photofit of the suspect.

Officers have removed the moustache and shortened the hair on the original image released after the attack on Mr Falconio, 28, and his girlfriend Joanne Lees, 27, in the Australian outback.

According to the website of the Northern Territory Police: "He is described as Caucasian, 40-45 years old with dark, straight should length hair with grey streaks, long thin face, droopy, grey moustache, medium build and an Australian accent.

"He is wearing a black baseball cap, with a motif on the front, long-sleeved dark t-shirt and heavy jeans or canvas-like pants.

"The vehicle he is driving is believed to be a white, four-wheel drive utility with bucket seats and canvas on the back."

John Daulby, assistant commissioner of the Northern Territory police, said it was highly probable the offender had changed his appearance since the attack - and may have shaved his moustache or head, or cut his hair.

‘‘The new image is another possibility of what the offender may look like now,’’ he said.

‘‘We need people to be aware that the original image we released is not the only possibility. He may have also changed vehicles or altered his vehicle in some way. He may also be no longer travelling with a dog.’’

Mr Falconio, from Hepworth, near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, is feared to have been shot when the couple were ambushed on July 14 as they drove their camper van near Barrow Creek, 175 miles north of Alice Springs.

An extensive search and a reward of £90,000 have so far failed to find any trace of the missing man.

Miss Lees, from Almondbury, near Huddersfield, was tied up and gagged but managed to struggle free and escape into the bush.

She said she hid for six hours while the attacker searched for her with his dog.

Yesterday police revealed they had found a DNA sample on Miss Lees’ clothing which could belong to the attacker.

Assistant commissioner Daulby described it as a ‘‘small but significant breakthrough’’ and said it did not belong to Mr Falconio or anybody who had come into contact with Miss Lees since her ordeal.

It is now being compared with criminal databases across the world to see if a match can be found.

Mr Falconio’s father, Luciano, 59, has returned home to Britain but his brother, Paul, 31, and Miss Lees are remaining in Australia while the search continues.