DNA tests delay nanny's murder trial

A judge in the United States has ordered DNA tests to be carried out on the blood and skin of a nine-month-old baby who was allegedly killed by his British au pair to find out if he had any genetic disorders that may cause bleeding inside the skull.

The tests were requested by lawyers for Louise Woodward, 19, of Chester, who is accused of murdering Matthew Eappen. She has been in custody since her arrest last February. Matthew died from head injuries which prosecutors said were the equivalent of being dropped from a second-floor window. Judge Hiller Zobel has delayed the trial's start until 11 August to await the results of the tests.