DETECTIVES investigating the 30-year-old murder of Teresa de Simone have swabbed 69 people for their DNA, the Daily Echo can exclusively reveal.

Police have centred their enquiries to find her killer on those who were spoken to in the initial enquiry – and so far 52 have been ruled out because the DNA does not match.

Forensic test results are still being sought on the remainder and are expected back within weeks.

It’s a significant step for Detective Chief Inspector Phil McTavish and his team of 20 officers tasked with reinvestigating Teresa’s murder after the man locked up for her killing had his conviction quashed.

Sean Hodgson was freed by the Court of Appeal in March after a DNA test proved he didn’t rape and murder the teenage gas board clerk.

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