EXPERIENCED detectives from across the country have given the Stephen Hilder murder inquiry a clean bill of health.

Detectives, psychologists and other delegates spent a day last week listening to details of the investigation into the murder of the 20-year-old Herefordshire skydiver.

The delegates agreed that the investigation team was on the right track.

Det-Supt Colin Andrews of Humberside Police, said: "Numerous ideas were discussed and various interesting points were raised. We shall now sit down as a team and consider some of those ideas."

Stephen, from Stretton Sugwas, died last year during the National Championships of the British Collegiate Parachute Association at Hibaldstow airfield. His main chute and reserve cord had been deliberately cut.

l Humberside Police has stressed the investigation into his death remains a murder inquiry despite recent reports in the media to the contrary.

Det Supt Andrews said: "Speculation about Stephen's death is expected and there have been numerous ideas suggested, including whether or not he committed suicide.

"As investigators we must look at every possible scenario and suicide is one of the theories we have considered.

"However, to date we have come across nothing at all to suggest Stephen committed suicide or had ever considered doing so."