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 | | Tuesday, 16 April, 2002, 09:59 GMT 10:59 UK Backpacker's parents thank townspeople  Caroline Stuttle's parents want other teenagers to travel The parents of murdered backpacker Caroline Stuttle have left a bouquet under the bridge from which she was thrown to her death. In a note attached to the flowers, Alan and Marjorie Stuttle thanked the people of Bundaberg, Queensland, for their support "at this tragic time". British consular officials said the Stuttles plan to fly their 19-year-old daughter's body back to Britain on Thursday, and a funeral is likely to take place early next week. Caroline, from York, died of massive head and spinal injuries after a suspected robbery in the small town six days ago. On Tuesday fears about the safety of travel in Australia were heightened when it emerged that an Irish backpacker was attacked as she walked back from a nightclub in Perth. 'Let them fly' The Stuttles' bouquet was left with flowers, poetry and a condolence book set up by residents of Bundaberg. In their message the Stuttles ask other parents not to stop their daughters from travelling because of what happened to Caroline.
The message, which is also from Caroline's brother, Richard, and her boyfriend, Ian, tells the people of Bundaberg: "We feel your love and support, as love knows no distance. "We are so proud of Caroline and are overwhelmed by the support of friends and colleagues that surround us. "We wish to thank especially the police and authorities for their efforts." Caroline's body was formally released by Bundaberg's coroner on Monday. Fought back According to the West Australia newspaper a 19-year-old Irish woman was attacked in Perth on Friday, days after Ms Stuttle was killed. It said she was walking home from a club, when a man jumped from a station wagon, punched her in the stomach and tried to drag her into the vehicle. The attacker fled when the woman fought back. She ran to the backpackers' hostel where she was staying with her boyfriend. Last year a murder investigation was launched after Peter Falconio, from Huddersfield, was abducted in the Northern Territory while travelling with his girlfriend, Joanne Lees. He has not been seen since. | | See also:  Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top Asia-Pacific stories now:  Links to more Asia-Pacific stories are at the foot of the page. | |
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