Tests show remains are not British backpacker

Remains found in a remote part of the Australian Outback - and initially thought to be a human torso - are not those of the missing British backpacker Peter Falconio but part of a large animal.

The remains were discovered in a dam near the town of Marla, South Australia. Tests by forensic pathologists in Adelaide have proved that they were not those of a human torso. South Australia Police said yesterday: "It's from a large animal - it could have been a horse or a cow, we're not sure."

The find had led to speculation that the search for Mr Falconio, from Hepworth, West Yorkshire, could be over. His family had hoped the remains would prove to be his so that they could hold a funeral.

Mr Falconio was last seen on 14 July 2001, while on a backpacking trip with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees. The pair were ambushed by a man who had flagged down their van as they drove along the Stuart Highway. Mr Falconio is believed to have been killed. Miss Lees escaped.

Bradley John Murdoch, 44, has been charged with murdering Mr Falconio.

The remains at Marla were 750 miles from where Mr Falconio was last seen. There is a cattle station near by and they were found by an employee of the farm. The dam is off the Oodnadatta Track in the far north of South Australia state about 20 miles from Marla.

It is about 90ft wide and 12ft deep and is used to store water for livestock. After the find, divers searched water around the dam but found nothing of importance, while police and local people launched a search of the surrounding area aided by police helicopters.

A spokesman for South Australia Police said: "It was a false alarm and everyone is going home now."