Geraldine Hughes's killer may yet be tracked down

South Wales Police officers have ruled out any connection with West through DNA checks.

Detectives - who last year re-opened an inquiry into the killings - have issued fresh appeal for information on the deaths of Pauline Floyd and Geraldine Hughes, whose bodies were found in woods in 1973.

Detective Inspector Paul Bethell said: "I can dismiss recent media speculation about an individual, and ask the public not to focus on rumour but instead come to us with information they may have which could help solve these terrible crimes."

Hitching a lift

Last year, a DNA profile was obtained from crime scene samples, which gave a fresh boost to the investigation.

The murders were also reconstructed for the BBC's Crimewatch programme last month.

The film showed how the victims had been on their way home after a night out at Swansea's Top Rank Suite, and had last been seen hitching a lift near the city centre.

Serial killer Fred West worked in Llandarcy

Police are now examining case papers to identify people who were of interest to the original investigation.

When this is done, the next step will be to develop a DNA screening campaign.

Earlier this month, a Welsh daily newspaper revealed that West was working as a labourer at the refinery.

The Western Mail had said that West - the man behind the 'House of Horror' in Cromwell Street, Gloucester - was believed to have lodged at a house in Crythan Road in the Melin area of Neath while labouring.

It reported that a number of residents were questioned by Gloucestershire Police investigating West's crimes.