THE body of Herefordshire heroin addict Rachel Whitear is again the focus of widespread attention.

Rachel's death shocked the nation when a photograph of her three-day-old corpse, crouching face down with a syringe in her hand, was released as a warning about the dangers of drugs.

Now, almost four years after her death, detectives have decided to re-examine the remains of the 21-year-old, whose fate in a rented flat in Exmouth, Devon, was presumed to have been caused by an overdose.

Her body is to be exhumed from Withington churchyard as part of the re-investigation into her death.

Rachel's body was buried without a post-mortem examination and the officer in charge of the present investigation says he is uncertain about the cause of death.

The coroner recorded an open verdict in December, 2000, after the initial investigation by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Sup Paul Howlett, of Wiltshire Constabulary, announced the latest development at a press conference in Hereford last Friday.

"I am advised that, despite the passage of time, the completion of a post-mortem could still possibly provide forensic evidence that would assist in identifying the cause of Rachel's death," he said.

Asked if there was heroin in the syringe she was clutching when her body was discovered, Mr Howlett said: "I think it is inconclusive at this time. I have asked the forensic scientists to report to me in laymen's terms."

Mr Howlett said the original level of heroin in Rachel's body was low.

"We are considering everything and discounting nothing. It's an unexplained death and by nature it's suspicious," he said.

No date has been set for the exhumation of Rachel's body from St Peter's Church in Withington.

Rachel's stepfather, Mick Holcroft, said he and wife Pauline fully supported Mr Howlett and his team in taking the difficult step.

"This has obviously been a very difficult few years for Pauline, myself and our family, culminating in today's announcement," he said.

"Nothing can prepare a family for this. Although we are enormously saddened, we are coming to terms with the fact that an exhumation of Rachel's body is necessary."

He added: "Depending on the results of the exhumation, we have no problems about a second inquest."

Mrs Holcroft said: "All we want is closure on it, but we know that may never happen. It is difficult to live not knowing or understanding what your daughter died from."

The case into Rachel's death was re-opened after a complaint from the dead girl's parents, who were concerned about various aspects of the original investigation carried out by Devon and Cornwall Police.

Their concerns led to the launch of a fresh inquiry in May last year led by Wiltshire Constabulary and supervised by the Police Complaints Authority.