PEACE TO BACKPACKER'S FAMILY

24 years after Peter Falconio was murdered on a remote Australian highway, cops offer £240,000 in hunt for his body

- BY ANDY LINES

A £240,000 REWARD has been announced for any information that helps find the body of Brit backpacker Peter Falconio, amid fears his killer could take his secret to the grave.

Bradley John Murdoch is serving a life sentence for the murder of the 28-year-old tourist and for attacking his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, on a remote highway in the Northern Territory of Australia.

The couple, both from Yorkshire, were travelling in a camper van when they were flagged down by Murdoch on the Stuart Highway, near Barrow Creek, on July 14, 2001.

Joanne, who is now 51, was kidnapped by Murdoch and dragged to his pick-up but managed to flee.

Murdoch, 67, who reportedly has terminal cancer and is receiving palliative care, has refused to reveal the whereabouts of Peter's body.

Next month marks 24 years since the attack and Australian police said they continue to hold out hope that someone will come forward.

Acting Northern Territory Police Commander Mark Grieve said: “We are asking for anyone who may believe they have information that can assist to please come forward.

“We recognise the passage of time that has transpired, however, it is never too late to reach out and start that conversation with police. You just never know how beneficial that information you may hold may be.”