Family of murdered backpacker make appeal

The family of a British backpacker murdered in Australia appealed today for anyone with information on the case to come forward.

Caroline Stuttle’s body was found in Bundaberg, Queensland on April 10. Police believe the 19-year-old from York was robbed and pushed from a 30ft high bridge.

Her father, Alan Stuttle, and her brother, 25-year-old Richard, are in Bundaberg to retrace her last steps and urged anyone with information, "no matter how trivial", to contact police.

The family also announced plans to establish a charity, to be called Caroline’s Rainbow Foundation.

Richard Stuttle, who had planned to join his sister on her trip around Australia, said the foundation’s aim would be to "help backpackers in distress" by providing emergency accommodation for those who had been mugged or had lost their money.

"We don’t want to put anyone off travelling," he said.

Police have yet to track down Caroline’s killer. They have taken DNA swabs from more than 150 men aged 14 to 60 who live in Bundaberg, about 185 miles north of the state capital, Brisbane.

Police spokesman Ron Pickering said today that a recent reward offered for information leading to an arrest had prompted more calls, but any further help would be appreciated.