DETECTIVES are convinced they are "closer than ever" to catching the murderers of Julie Smailes.

On the fourth anniversary of Julie's death, police revealed yesterday that forensic scientists, who have spent six months on the case using the latest DNA testing techniques, have established the clearest evidence yet linking chief suspects to the crime.

Julie, a 27-year-old computer sales manager, was tied up, strangled and stabbed more than 50 times at her home in Wingrove Terrace, Leadgate, Consett, on October 30, 1996. The murderers also set fire to the property to cover their tracks.

Latest advances in DNA testing have enabled scientists to make use of the tiniest traces.

Police have found evidence that up to four people may have been involved in Julie's death. Among the quartet implicated in the killing was John Thompson, who hanged himself in August 1998.

Days earlier, the body of teenage baby-sitter Rachel Tough was found at Thompson's home in Moorside.

The leading officer in the murder hunt, Detective Superintendent Tom Ryan said: "I believe we are nearer than we have ever been to identifying those involved.

"It is entirely possible two people were directly responsible for killing Julie, and others were caught up before and after the murder trying to cover up the crime.

"We have a number of major lines of inquiry which we are pursuing, and John Thompson firmly remains one of those."

Julie's mother, Joy Gilmour, has not given up hope that the murderers will be caught.

Det Supt Ryan is convinced there are people in the area who have important information, but are too frightened of reprisals to call.

He said they should contact him, in confidence, on 0191-386 4929.