DURHAM Police say they are now certain that double murder suspect John Thompson was one of the killers of Consett woman Julie Smailes eight years ago.

They say advances in forensic science prove blood found in the murder house was that of the married father-of-three, who was found hanging from a tree two years later - only days after the battered body of babysitter Rachel Tough was found at his home.

An inquest ruled his death was suicide and that he had a 'direct involvement' in 18-year-old Miss Tough's killing.

Miss Smailes, 27, a computer sales manager, was found stabbed and strangled at her home in Leadgate, in October 1996. Fires had been started in an attempt to destroy evidence. Police say three other suspects remain at large.

Miss Smailes' mother, Joy Gilmour, told a Press conference this week the latest news was 'bitter-sweet.'

"It's not finished. However, I am happy that there is progress and I do believe eventually, I don't know how long, but there will be closure," she said.

Det Sup Harry Stephenson said scientists were able to find a microscopic spot of Thompson's blood among samples of Miss Smailes' blood on a pillowcase from the bedroom where she was killed.

Another spot of his blood was found on the patio doors of her home, which had been used as a point of entry by her killers. Police believed a burglary was faked to try to make inquiries harder.

Det Supt Stephenson, the fourth detective to lead the investigation, said there was a one in a billion chance of the blood on the pillowcase not being Thompson's and one in a six million chance of the blood on the doors not being his.

He believes up to four people were present when Miss Smailes' died. He said another man could have been involved in the killing with two more men connected to a clean-up operation.

Thompson was never arrested in connection with the murder because he had strong alibis provided by family and acquaintances.

Det Supt Stephenson said: "If John Thompson was alive today, he would have been arrested by my team and subsequently charged with murder."

He had consulted the Crown Prosecution Service which told him in February that the evidence would have been sufficient to put Thompson on trial for murder.

He vowed to continue inquiries until everyone responsible was brought to justice. More samples were found at the crime scene and he hoped the forensic science would bring about a breakthrough.

"I feel certain Thompson was there when Julie was murdered and I am equally convinced he was not alone at the time she died," said Det Supt Stephenson.

"There are still people in the Consett area who are deliberately withholding important information. It is not too late for them to come forward and there is nothing to stop us arresting or re-arresting anyone should an opportunity present itself."

He said he had been provided with the names of the three other men he believed were involved.

Mrs Gilmour, who has moved to Co Donegal, Ireland, said she had recently left flowers at her daughter's grave on a visit to the North-East.

"I still grieve," she said, "but I have come to terms with Julie's death. She is in my heart and her spirit is alive."

Anyone with information should call police on (0191) 386 4929 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.