Backpacker family's tribute

The family of murdered backpacker Caroline Stuttle today left a bouquet of flowers and heartfelt letter under the bridge in Australia from which she was hurled to her death.

The printed message, from the 19-year-old's parents Alan and Marjorie Stuttle, her brother Richard and her boyfriend, named only as Ian, expressed their thanks to the police and community of Bundaberg in Queensland, for their support "at this tragic time".

The bouquet was left at the scene where the people of Bundaberg have set up a table adorned with flowers, poetry and a condolence book to be sent to Miss Stuttle's family.

The message on the bouquet read: "We, as the parents of Caroline, wish to thank the Mayor of the City of Bundaberg, Kay McDuff, and the community of Bundaberg for the love and caring shown to our family at this tragic time.

"We feel your love and support, as love knows no distance.

"We are so proud of Caroline and are overwhelmed by the support of friends and colleagues that surround us. We wish to thank especially the police and authorities for their efforts."

Mr and Mrs Stuttle, who are divorced, added: "We wish also to speak to those of you that have daughters, please believe in their dreams and let them pursue their desire to travel and experience life. Let them fly."

The family was expected to make arrangements to have Caroline's body flown to England after it was formally released by Bundaberg's coroner.

Miss Stuttle, from York, died last Wednesday from head and spine injuries after being assaulted then thrown from the bridge.

She had travelled to Australia with her best friend Sarah Holiday, 19, also from York. She paid a moving tribute at a press conference in the city to her "truly beautiful" friend who had been "living her dream". Australian police said they were placing a life-size model of Miss Stuttle near the scene of her death in a bid to help trace her killer.

A 21-year-old drifter arrested and questioned last week in connection with the murder was remanded in custody after being charged with possession of drugs and missing a court appearance.

Jeremy Richard Wilson walked into a police station voluntarily following a number of calls from local people who said he looked like an E-fit issued of a man seen following Miss Stuttle across the bridge shortly before her death.

Wilson was scheduled to appear in court again today.