THE body of 21-year-old Herefordshire heroin addict Rachel Whitear is to be exhumed from Withington Churchyard for a post-mortem examination, it was announced today.

Senior investigating officer, Det Chief Sup Paul Howlett, of Wiltshire Constabulary, spoke of the new development at a press conference in Hereford.

Rachel's body was buried without a post-mortem examination and Mr Howlett says he is still uncertain about the cause of death.

He said: "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."

No date has been set for the exhumation and Mr Howlett now intends to conduct a survey and ask for advice on how the exhumation can best be completed.

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

He said: "We thank them for their thoroughness, dedication, support and professionalism throughout the lengthy and meticulous investigation into Rachel's death."

Rachel's death in a flat in Exmouth, Devon, in May 2000 hit the headlines when the story and pictures were published by the Hereford Times.

The case was re-opened following 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.