British police investigating the death of skydiver Stephen Hilder are expected to announce a major development in the case today amid growing speculation he took his own life.
Police have always refused to confirm reports the army cadet (20) was responsible for cutting the cords on both his main and reserve parachutes, leaving him to plunge 13,000 feet to his death.
But today senior officers are to reveal the results of crucial new forensic tests. The tests were ordered last month after the force announced it had discovered a "significant development" relating to the forensic side of the inquiry.
Mr Hilder died last July while competing in a national skydiving contest at Hibaldstow, near Brigg, in Lincolnshire. Detectives quickly found that cords on both his main and reserve chutes had been cut.
Detectives travelled to Hereford this week to brief Mr Hilder's parents on the new information.
The police inquiry team is revealing the new information at a press conference at police headquarters in Hull at 2.30 p.m.
A spokeswoman said Mr Hilder's parents were not due to attend, although they would be releasing a statement.
PA