Missing girl linked to bloody clothing

Hopes faded last night for the missing schoolgirl Zoe Evans as forensic scientists examined blood-stained clothing found during a massive police search.

Detectives believe the stains match the nine-year-old's blood group, although confirmation of DNA tests are still awaited.

The clothing of a young girl as well as a bloodied garment belonging to a man were found near Zoe's home at Warminster, Wiltshire. More than 200 soldiers joined police to re-check woodland and undergrowth close to where the dark-haired girl was last seen on Saturday with a blond crop-haired young man.