Outback murder: Suspect ruled out

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

SYDNEY, Australia -- Australian police investigating the disappearance of a British backpacker say the DNA profile of a man arrested in connection with the case does not match that of the suspect they are looking for.

Northern Territory Assistant Commissioner of Crime John Daulby said Northern Territory Police found that the profile of the man did not match the DNA profile found on the clothing of Peter Falconio's girlfriend, Joanne Lees.

It was hoped that the arrest could lead to a breakthrough in the case if his profile matched that of the suspect wanted by Northern Territory Police.

Falconio and Lees, both 28, were ambushed on July 14 last year as they travelled in their camper van on the deserted Stuart Highway north of Alice Springs.

Lees told police the attacker tied her up but that she managed to struggle free and escape into the bush, where she hid for six hours while he searched for her with his dog.

She said she heard a gunshot and police have been working on the theory that the hijacker murdered Falconio and dumped his body.

Falconio's body has not been found and his disappearance sparked one of Australia's biggest manhunts.

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.