Australian police have found the handbag of murdered British backpacker Caroline Stuttle.

Her father, Alan, said he was "delighted" at what he considers to be a major breakthrough in the case.

Miss Stuttle, from York, was walking to her hostel in the eastern Australian town of Bundaberg on 10 April when she was robbed and thrown off a 30-foot bridge.

The bag, which was found in a canefield a mile and a half from the bridge during harvesting, is the first item of the 19-year-old's property to be located.

Alan Stuttle is delighted at the breakthrough

Alan, 63, an artist still living in York, told BBC News Online: "I'm delighted but at the same time very, very upset because it has brought it all back to me.

"We cannot bring Caroline back but perhaps we can stop anyone else's child being murdered.

"It gives me hope because I do not want anyone else to go through what I have been through.

"The sooner the perpetrator of this horrific crime is brought to justice the better."

Witnesses heard screams from near the bridge

He added: "It's just so wonderful that the police have been so thorough and careful in the investigation.

"The effort they have put in is outstanding. I cannot praise them enough."

The bag has now been sent to Brisbane for forensic testing.

Miss Stuttle's mobile phone and purse are still missing.

A reward offered in Australia for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for her death was recently doubled to $100,000.

Police have also taken DNA swabs from more than 150 men who live in Bundaberg, which is about 185 miles north of the Queensland state capital, Brisbane.