the Island today looking for clues that will illuminate the mysterious death of 17-year-old Rebecca Middleton.

Officials from the Department of Tourism were yesterday busy trying to offset the damage the news of the teen's murder may do the Island's reputation as a tranquil destination.

So far the story has received heavy coverage from print, television and radio stations in Canada. It made the front page of the Toronto Sun and was also reported in the Toronto Star and Canada's national newspaper, The Globe and Mail.

Radio stations including CFRB Toronto have reported the murder, which was also the lead story on the Canadian Broadcasting Company's national television news last night.

Rebecca's parents, David and Cynthia Middleton, arrived in Bermuda yesterday afternoon and were immediately whisked away in an unmarked Police car.

Around 3 p.m. they spoke to members of the Press for 15 minutes and appealed for locals who have information to help Police to find the killers.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell has offered to meet with the Middleton family and has extended assistance to them on behalf of the Bermuda Government.

Asked if he was worried about the effect that news of Rebecca Middleton's death could have on the Island's tourism ministry, he said: "I am concerned and all Bermudians should be concerned.

"However my major focus is on the family who are here now. The responsible thing to do is to monitor the (negative press) as it unfolds and do what we can to assure Canadians that this is not a common event in Bermuda.

"This is a very unusual situation because Bermuda is a safe place to travel.'' to an unmarked Police car when they arrived at the airport yesterday.