THE body of 21-year-old heroin addict Rachel Whitear will only be exhumed if an investigation finds it necessary, says the Police Complaints Authority. (PCA)

This week police launched an appeal for witnesses as part of a fresh investigation into the death of Rachel.

Her parents, Mick and Pauline Holcroft, of Ledbury, released shocking pictures of their daughter after her death in May 2000, in an attempt to warn others of the dangers of drugs.

Slumped

The photographs showed Rachel slumped kneeling on the floor of her bedsit in Exmouth, Devon, with a syringe in her hand.

It was originally thought that Rachel died of an overdose, but the case was reopened this month after tests showed there was not enough heroin in her blood to have caused her death.

Rachel's parents were not satisfied with the original investigation because a post-mortem examination was not held.

Discussions

A spokesman for the PCA said there would only be an exhumation after discussions between the investigation team and the family.

"No decision like that could be taken at this stage," he said.

"I've no idea if the measure would be deemed necessary - it's a possibility, but no decision has been taken."

Det Chief Supt Paul Howlett, head of Wiltshire CID, has launched an appeal for witnesses at Devon and Cornwall police headquarters in Exeter.

n Anyone who has any information about either Rachel Whitear or her death is urged to contact detectives at Exeter police station on 01380 734150.