Police still hunting Heather Barnett's killer (From Bournemouth Echo)

Police still hunting Heather Barnett's killer

10:26am Saturday 20th March 2010 in

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Dorset Police have refused to say whether detectives investigating the murder of Bournemouth mother Heather Barnett have travelled to southern Italy following the discovery of a decomposed body.

The remains are still awaiting formal identification, but are believed to be those of 16-year-old Elisa Claps, who vanished from the town of Potenza in 1993. Her disappearance has been linked to the murder of Heather Barnett in Charmin-ster, Bournemouth, in 2002.

A police spokesman said it was “inappropriate for investigative reasons” to comment on whether officers were currently in the town of Potenza.

“Dorset Police remain as resolute and committed to catching her brutal killer as we were in the days and weeks after Heather’s tragic death,” he added.

“This is an unusual murder case, and the professional and focused investigation continues to be a challenge. We have been following several lines of specific, detailed and continuing enquiry. We have also been liaising closely with Interpol and the Italian police.

“We are utilising the latest advances in DNA genetic profiling and Dorset Police are committed to achieving justice for Heather, her two children and the rest of the family.”