COMMUNITIES on opposite sides of the world have been horrified by the murder of Caroline Stuttle. Both here in her home city of York, and in the Australian town of Bundaberg where she met her death, people are struggling to come to terms with such a terrible crime.

Our thoughts today are with the family of this bright, kind and loving young woman. No pain is greater than losing a child. To lose her in such violent, senseless circumstances thousands of miles from home can only heighten their anguish.

Tributes to Caroline have been generous and heartrending. This wonderful daughter, fantastic friend, and excellent pupil had secured a place at a top university. In a few brutal seconds, and seemingly for the sake of a handbag and a mobile phone, all this promise was extinguished.

Caroline's death will add to the anxiety of every parent whose child is planning a similar trip after finishing their A-levels. It is only the latest high-profile backpacking tragedy.

Bundaberg is close to the town of Childers where 15 young fruit-pickers were killed in an arson attack on a hostel in June 2000. The following summer, Peter Falconio went missing in the Australian outback after an apparent attack by a gunman.

But these incidents are as rare as they are shocking. Worried parents should not pressurise their children to stay at home; they can gain so much from experiencing different cultures and people. Instead families should talk about the trip, and ensure it has been properly planned. There is a good deal of sound advice available.

Caroline was a sensible woman who had planned her trip carefully. She was keeping in close touch with her family, and was making the short walk back to her accommodation after phoning her boyfriend when she was attacked.

No conclusion can be drawn from her death other than that random acts of violence can happen anywhere. We hope the Australian police can soon bring to justice the pitiless coward responsible.

Updated: 11:03 Friday, April 12, 2002