Irish investigation over Australian outback attack

The Australian Embassy has confirmed that a police officer from the Canberra police department in Western Australia visited Ireland…

The Australian Embassy has confirmed that a police officer from the Canberra police department in Western Australia visited Ireland two weeks ago in connection with the shooting of the British national Mr Peter Falconio .

Mr Falconio, who was travelling with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees, was flagged down by a man on a highway 300 kms north of Alice Springs on July 14th, who, according to Ms Lee shot, Mr Falconio and abducted her.

A spokesman in the Australian embassy said the police officer arrived in Ireland two weeks ago to conduct some DNA tests relating to material found on the shirt Ms Lees was wearing when she was attacked.

The tests, he said, had been "inconclusive".

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However, the embassy was unable to say whether the tests involved a third individual.

The Garda Press Office have confirmed that the Interpol Office of the Garda Siochana has been contacted by the Canberra police department, but the details of the contact have not been released.

In a statement Gardai say they have cooperated fully with the Australian police in this matter and will do so again in the future.

Ms Lees who escaped from the gunman is still helping police investigate the attack. Mr Falconio is still missing.