Remains of missing intern found in park

The skeletal remains of the missing intern Chandra Levy, whose disappearance a year ago gripped America and cost a married US congressman his job, were found yesterday in a Washington park.

Partial remains were found in thick woodland after a man walking his dog discovered a skull and contacted police. Investigators later uncovered more remains, including part of a pelvis. Forensic scientists used dental records to identify the remains as Ms Levy.

Washington's police chief, Charles Ramsey, said the case was no longer being classified as a missing person but as a suspicious death. "The manner and cause of death is still pending. There is certainly more work that needs to done."

The remains were foundat 9.30am close to a jogging path in Rock Creek Park, near Ms Levy's apartment and in an area that police said they searched last year with sniffer dogs. Ms Levy often jogged through the park. Police found running clothes and a personal hi-fi with the remains.

Ms Levy was last seen on 30 April last year after she handed in her membership at one of the city's gyms. The intern from Modesto, California, would probably have become just another missing person had she not been having a relationship with a congressman, Gary Condit.

For more than a month last summer Mr Condit, the since- defeated House Representative for California's 18th District, found himself at the centre of a media assault during which he was questioned three times by police and yet refused to confirm the relationship with Ms Levy.

Mr Condit, 54, went about his usual duties on Capitol Hill yesterday. All inquiries were directed to his lawyer.