The body of a 21-year-old drug user, who was found dead in the bedroom of her rented accommodation in May 2000, is to be exhumed, police have confirmed today.

Rachel Whitear was found dead on May 12 in Exmouth, Devon, after apparently suffering a drugs overdose. After the initial investigation of Rachel’s death by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary, an 'open verdict' was recorded at the coroner's inquest on December 1 2000. Ms Whitear was buried without any post mortem examination.

A coroner later said that blood tests indicated that there was insufficient heroin in her bloodstream to kill her.

A photograph of Rachel's body, lying in the position she died and with a syringe still in her hand, gained national media attention when it was released to help promote drugs awareness.

The man charged with investigating her death, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, Head of CID, Wiltshire Constabulary, said today that the exhumation was necessary as he was still "unable to ascertain with any degree of certainty" the cause of Rachel’s death.

In May 2003, the Police Complaints Authority appointed Mr Howlett to lead a new investigation into the circumstances of Rachel’s death. Since then, more information has emerged about Rachel’s movements immediately prior to her death. But the inquiry has called for anyone who was friendly with Rachel, or knew her in a social sense after she moved to Exmouth in January 2000, to contact them.

In a statement, Superintendent Howlett said: "After discussion with suitably qualified forensic medical experts, I am advised that despite the passage of time the completion of a post mortem could still possibly provide forensic evidence that would assist in identifying the cause of Rachel’s death."

He added: "This is clearly a very sensitive proposal and I have discussed this option with Rachel’s parents, Pauline and Mick, and received their support."

Anyone who has information is urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(gmcg)