POLICE have launched an appeal for witnesses as part of a fresh investigation into the death of 21-year-old heroin addict Rachel Whitear.

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 drug use.

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

It was originally thought that Rachel died of an overdose, but the case was re-opened after tests showed there was not enough of the drug in her blood to have caused her death.

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

Mr and Mrs Holcroft have welcomed the news of the witness appeal.

Investigation

"My husband and I have been given the impression this will be a thorough investigation," said Mrs Holcroft, aged 53.

"I am hoping police may interview witnesses who have already given information.

"We do understand that this investigation will take some time and we are not in a hurry for results.

"We are hoping to get the answers we are looking for at the end of this long path."

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

"I have been tasked to re-investigate the circumstances of Rachel's death," he said.

"I ask that anyone who has any information about either Rachel or her death, that might assist me in this task, to contact me on 01380 734150."