'No major breakthrough' despite report that 'sample from killer' found on rock

GARDAI are waiting on results of a hi-tech DNA test that could finally solve the mystery of who murdered Sophie Toscan du Plantier, it has emerged.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

But sources have stressed gardai are still awaiting word on any findings from the tests and there has been no dramatic breakthrough.

A member of Sophie's family last night told us he was cautiously optimistic over the latest development in the long-running probe.

The French filmmaker, 39, was battered to death outside her holiday home near Schull in west Cork in December 1996.

Reports over the weekend claimed investigators had found new DNA samples from the scene - which are likely to belong to the killer, who murdered Ms du Plantier with a rock.

That rock was examined previously but it did not yield any DNA.

A revolutionary new technique called Touch DNA has now reportedly been used to raise a profile from the surface of the rock - however, it's believed investigators are still awaiting a sample to test.