ADVANCED crime detection tests were beginning today on the human remains discovered by officials hunting student hostage Paul Wells.

Indian authorities will examine samples of DNA - the genetic fingerprint - as well as the dental, medical and physical characteristics of the body exhumed from a grave in the Jammu Kashmir village of Akingham.

Today Mr James Bowman, director of the Hostages In Kashmir Campaign, said a sample of hair belonging to Paul, 26, of Bracken Close, Feniscowles, Blackburn, would be used to check for a DNA match.

He added: "However, the DNA database in India is so basic that it is more likely medical or dental records will be of more use." Mr Bowman said contacts in the Indian state had revealed that the body was that of a man of about 5ft 10in.

He added: "Both Paul and his fellow British hostage Keith Mangan are more than 6ft tall so we feel this may not be either of them."

A spokesman for the British High Commission in New Delhi said Paul's father Bob was not planning to visit the Indian Sub-continent again until November with other members of the Hostages In Kashmir Campaign.

She added: "They have quite sensibly said that they will wait and see what comes of the tests that are being carried out by the authorities before deciding on their next course of action."

Today the Rev John Cree, of Immanuel Feniscowles Parish Church, said he had spoken about the new developments in his Sunday morning service.

He added: "I said 'it could be a false alarm. We pray as we have done for such a long time.

"If he is dead, then his family should know. I he is still alive, then negotiations need to start."

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