Vanuatu murder case delayed by late autopsy report

A preliminary inquiry into the murder of a six-year-old girl in Vanuatu has been adjourned because the court is still waiting for the autopsy report two months after it was completed.

The victim was allegedly abducted, raped then killed by her attacker, an inmate on parole.

Police said the suspect is also believed to be responsible for a number of other outstanding serious criminal cases.

In the current matter before court the suspect is alleged to have abducted the victim from her house at night before raping and killing her.

According to the Vanuatu Daily Post, the girl's body was discovered over a kilometre away from the family home by a close relative.

Both the suspect and victim are from Tanna.