HAMPSHIRE police today confirmed they have reopened their investigation into the murder of Teresa de Simone.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey in London after Sean Hodgson had his murder conviction quashed, Detective Chief Inspector Phil McTavish, head of Hampshire Constabulary's performance and review unit, said a major incident room had been set up as the search for her killer got underway.

Daily Echo: Click below to see a video of today's headlines in sixty seconds

He told how the force had complied with a request from Hodgson's solicitors Julian Young, based in London, who had asked for a comprehensive forensic review to be carried out on the case.

That review, in conjunction with the Forensic Sicence Service, concluded that Hodgson could not be the killer.

Reading a statement he said: "Hampshire Constabulary is pleased to have been able to have assisted the Court of Appeal in reaching their decision today.

"Following a request from Julian Young Solicitors representing Mr Hodgson, a comprehensive forensic review was undertaken in conjunction with the Forensic Science Service.

"This resulted in new DNA evidence which has led to today's decision that Mr Hodgson's conviction in 1982 was unsafe.

"Mr Hodgson was convicted by a jury on evidence which included his own admissions to a clergyman, prison officers and subsequently police.

"There were also a number of other strands to the conviction including blood grouping tests.

"Hampshire Constabulary have started a re investigation into the murder of Teresa de Simone in 1979 and this is aimed at identifying the owner of the new DNA profile. The fact that we have this DNA also means that we are able to eliminate people from our enquiry.

"The original investigation and evidence is now being revisited with the benefit of the DNA evidence and will utilise advances in forensic science.

"A major incident room has been set up and a dedicated team of investigators has been appointed. This may be a protracted enquiry but we are fully committed to pursuing the investigation.

"Our thoughts are very much with Teresa's family and friends at this particularly difficult time."

Earlier this week the Daily Echo revealed how Hodgson himself had issued a heartfelt apology to Teresa's parents for the anguish they are now reliving over their daughter's death.

He added that he had hoped police would reinvestigate her murder and find who was really responsible following his fake confession.