2LT Local News

KATOOMBA, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia – Police forensic analysts on Tuesday continued to search the home of missing Katoomba teenager Belinda Peisley.

Excavations at the home on the first day of the search turned up items of interest to police.

Belinda, 19, was last seen in the Katoomba area on Saturday 26 September 1998.

Despite extensive investigations and numerous ground searches by local police and the Homicide Squad over the years, Belinda has not been located.

Detectives from the Homicide Squad continue to investigate her disappearance and suspected murder under Strike Force Belonidae.

As part of their ongoing inquiries, strike force detectives commenced a forensic excavation and search at Belinda’s former home on Monday.

During the excavation, forensic investigators from Crime Scene Services Branch located female clothing, including undergarments, buried under the house.

The Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Grant Taylor said the items were taken to police laboratories, where they are undergoing comprehensive forensic examinations.

“Yesterday’s find is of great interest to Strike Force Belonidae investigators – the undergarments are consistent with Belinda’s clothing size,” Det Ch Insp Taylor said Tuesday.

“We will await the results of the forensic analysis, which includes DNA testing, to determine whether new lines of inquiry can be explored.”

“While we remain focused on the excavation under the house, we are renewing our appeal to the community for information that may assist our investigation,” Det Ch Insp Taylor said.