Breakthrough in Outback murder mystery

A photofit released by Australian authorities of the man wanted in connection with Falconio's disappearance

SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- A man facing murder charges in Sydney is being investigated over the killing of British tourist Peter Falconio who disappeared in Australia's remote Northern Territory almost a year ago.

The suspect, currently on remand, was the subject of a nationwide police alert before his arrest in Sydney, Australian television reported on Tuesday.

Investigators suspect Falconio, 28, died soon after he was shot in an ambush 300 km (186 miles) north of Alice Springs on July 14 last year by an unknown assailant who attempted to abduct his 27-year-old girlfriend, Joanne Lees.

Lees was bound and gagged but managed to elude the gunman.

Crucial to the investigation is a spot of blood believed to be that of the attacker which was taken off Lees jumper.

It is being compared with DNA from the current suspect who was described by Sydney police as being under strong suspicion.

Since Falconio's disappearance, a massive manhunt over the Northern Territory, an area five times the size of Britain, has failed to find any trace of the gunman or of Falcon.

Police have followed up hundreds of possible sightings of the suspected gunman across Australia but have gathered few firm leads despite a manhunt using aircraft and Aboriginal trackers.

Police have also offered a reward of $130,000 (Faust. $250,000) for information leading to an arrest of the gunman.