THE family of murdered backpacker Caroline Stuttle has left a bouquet beneath the bridge from which she was hurled to her death - and a poignant message to parents of other children to let them follow their dreams.

The printed message, from the 19-year-old's parents, Alan and Marjorie Stuttle, her brother, Richard, and her boyfriend, named only as Ian, expressed their thanks to the community of Bundaberg, in Queensland, Australia, for their support "at this tragic time".

The bouquet was left at the scene where the people of Bundaberg have set up a table adorned with flowers, poetry and a condolence book to be sent to Miss Stuttle's parents.

The message on the bouquet reads: "We, as the parents of Caroline, wish to thank the Mayor of the City of Bundaberg, Cr Kay McDuff and the community of Bundaberg for the love and caring shown to our family at this tragic time.

"We feel your love and support, as love knows no distance.

"We are so proud of Caroline and are overwhelmed by the support of friends and colleagues that surround us.

"We wish to thank especially the police and authorities for their efforts.''

Despite the circumstances of Miss Stuttle's death - and the worry it raises for many parents - Mr and Mrs Stuttle, who are divorced, added: "We wish also to speak to those of you that have daughters, please believe in their dreams and let them pursue their desire to travel and experience life. Let them fly."

The family was expected to make arrangements to have Miss Stuttle's body flown to England after it was formally released yesterday by Bundaberg's coroner.

Miss Stuttle, from York, died last Wednesday from massive head and spinal injuries after being assaulted and then plunging from the bridge.

She had travelled to Australia with her best friend, Sarah Holiday, 19, also from York, on a gap year holiday.

Miss Holiday paid a moving tribute at a press conference in York on Monday to her "truly beautiful" friend who had been ''living her dream".

Australian police yesterday said they were placing a life-size model of Miss Stuttle near the scene of her death in a bid to help trace her killer.