POLICE hunting the killer of York backpacker Caroline Stuttle in Australia revealed a potential breakthrough in their inquiry today.

Officers said a man was being questioned in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Caroline, of Huntington Road, but stressed he was not under arrest.

A police spokesman said: "He is not a suspect, but has come forward with information which could prove vital. He is being questioned by detectives.

"We have received a lot of information in recent days, but this man's information could prove to be the most significant."

Caroline died after being flung from a 65-foot bridge in the quiet Queensland town of Bundaberg, on Wednesday evening. Earlier, detectives said they had received a "considerable response" to their appeal for help. Detective Inspector Jeff Oliphant said officers had received 50 to 60 calls after issuing an E-fit of a man seen walking behind Caroline shortly before she was thrown from the bridge.

He added the callers were "people who believe they have seen this person or may know this person".

Det Insp Oliphant told BBC Radio Five Live: "We are concentrating our investigation on trying to identify this man who was seen following the girl along the bridge just prior to her screams being heard."

He added that a 30-strong team was working on the inquiry and he was "confident we will solve this case in the near future".

The E-fit and description was of a solidly-built white man, aged 25 to 30, with collar-length brown hair.

Police believe Caroline was robbed and thrown from the bridge while returning to a caravan park, where she was staying with her friend Sarah Holiday, 20, also from York. A post-mortem examination yesterday showed she suffered head and spinal injuries, and confirmed she was not sexually assaulted. In a joint statement, Caroline's parents Alan Stuttle, of Scarborough, and Marjorie Stuttle, of Huntington Road, York, said: "We are just stunned and devastated by what has happened.

"It is so hard to believe that a young life has been taken in this way.

"Caroline was a wonderful daughter, so full of fun and energy, and she worked so hard to earn this opportunity to travel and experience life in another part of the world. She was so excited before she left. Now it hurts so much, it seems like nothing can take away the pain."

"We would like to express our thanks for all the cards, flowers and messages of condolence we have received from all over the world. It helps to know we are in people's thoughts and prayers."

Mrs Stuttle said Caroline's father, a well-known figure in York's art world, and her brother Richard, were planning to travel to Australia.

But she added: "I can't face it at the moment. I will do eventually because I want to share and experience the things Caroline experienced, but right now I couldn't stand the pain."

It is not known if Sarah Holiday, who is from Huntington, has returned from Australia. Her mother, Ann, declined to comment when contacted by the Evening Press yesterday.

Updated: 12:37 Saturday, April 13, 2002