Overseas forensic experts have joined an all-out bid to crack the Rebecca Middleton murder mystery.

The Royal Gazette understands The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are carrying out DNA tests on the body.

Semen was found during an autopsy on the 17-year-old Canadian whose holiday in Bermuda ended in a brutal rape and murder.

And these are being compared with samples given by potential suspects.

DNA techniques -- which came under a fierce public spotlight during the O.J.

Simpson double murder trial -- can be used like fingerprints to prove a person's presence at a crime scene.

In other key developments yesterday, it emerged: Police traumatised by the bloody murder have received counselling; Several people have voluntarily come forward to be interviewed by Police, but nobody has been arrested -- despite media reports to the contrary; Police are "optimistic'' arrests will be made; and A motorcyclist who took Ms Middleton's friend, Jasmine Meens, safely home on the night of the murder has been questioned and released. He has been ruled out as a suspect.

Ms Middleton was a fortnight into a six-week stay at the home of Ms Meens' father, Rick, in Smith's Parish when tragedy struck.

The two girls were at a party in St. George's -- believed to be at the home of a Policeman -- shortly before the incident.

A 12-man Police team have targeted their investigation on two black men thought to have picked up Ms Middleton on a motorcycle.

She was found naked in a pool of blood in Ferry Road, St. George's, in the early hours of Wednesday morning by a passing motorist.

Witnesses said her chest had been stabbed and throat slashed.

Sgt. Charmaine Marcus, first officer on the murder scene, told journalists the experience left her shaken.

"She was a beautiful, innocent kid,'' the 18-year veteran of the Bermuda Force was quoted in Toronto's Sunday Sun.

"There was nothing I could do. She didn't have a pulse.'' The officer is reported as saying passers-by who came across the body were scared to remain at the scene, believing the killers were lurking nearby.

Yesterday, Police repeatedly stonewalled Press inquiries into the pretty schoolgirl's murder.

They gave a "no comment'' or "we cannot confirm nor deny'' reply to a host of questions, including: Has a murder weapon been found? Have semen samples been taken? Is it true forensic experts from the RCMP -- the Mounties -- have carried out tests? Is Bermuda receiving overseas help? How many people have been questioned by Bermuda Police? Where do they come from? Has anybody from the cruise ships been interviewed? and Have Police been able to pinpoint the movements of Ms Middleton and Ms Meens leading up to the murder? The media in Bermuda and Canada have had to rely largely on unofficial sources for information.

Yesterday, unofficial -- but reliable -- Police sources informed The Royal Gazette about the DNA tests.

"Police were planning to run DNA tests on the girl's body,'' the source said.

"I can confirm DNA tests are being conducted abroad -- since Bermuda does not have the technology down here.'' DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the basic genetic material contained in all living cells of the body, with the notable exception of the red blood cell.

It is the material of which our chromosomes are made, the material which carries the genetic code that determines our individual characteristics.

Its chemical structure in every single person is different, guaranteeing uniqueness.

The Royal Gazette has been told the RCMP are involved.

Overseas experts help with DNA Sgt. Mike Gaudet, from the RCMP in Ottawa, said: "Because the investigation is being conducted in Bermuda it would be inappropriate to comment on any aspect of the investigation at this time.

"We are concerned about the impact of any comments we might make. We have to respect the course of an investigation in another country.'' Police sources also revealed yesterday the man who gave Ms Meens a ride home -- now ruled out as a suspect -- had been "initially uncooperative'' during questioning.

Officially, Police yesterday confirmed several people had been interviewed.

"No one has been arrested at this time, but statements have been taken and we are optimistic that arrests will be made,'' said Sgt. Chris Wilcox, from the Community and Media Relations Department.

Sgt. Wilcox said those who had been interviewed came forward voluntarily following the Police appeal for help.

"We are basically clearing people who may have been in the area.'' He added: "People have been helpful and we are quite pleased with the way things are going.

"The reaction of the public and their cooperation has been welcome.'' Sgt. Wilcox was keen to scotch reports in Canada that a Bermuda Police conference had been organised.

"I don't know where the reports came from. No Press conference has been scheduled at this time.'' Police have also been anxious to refute Canadian Press reports that two people were arrested in Somerset in connection with the murder.

Sgt. Wilcox said two arrests near White Hill Cricket Club and off Middle Road related to an alleged breaking and entering offence on June 4.

"It is totally unconnected to the murder,'' he said.

Yesterday, Shadow Labour and Public Safety Minister Alex Scott praised the Police's handling of the murder inquiry.

He said Police were right to withhold information which could jeopardise the case.

"The Progressive Labour Party sees no error by the Police. It is just a terribly tragic occurrence.'' Mr. Scott said Bermuda should be able to build up profiles of criminals, including names and addresses, with the help of prison records. This was essential if the Island was going to keep on top of crime.

He added the Bermuda Regiment could also be used for keeping young people out of harm's way and off the street.

"The PLP have long suggested a youth corps be formed.''