The BBC has been accused of losing evidence that might help convict the Babes in the Wood killer.

The family of Karen Hadaway, the nine-year-old killed in 1986 along with Nicola Fellows, ten, in Wild Park, Brighton, gave broadcaster Martin Bashir her clothes for analysis in 1991 as part of a proposed documentary.

Last month, when they asked for the return of the sweatshirt, T-shirt, vest and knickers, they were told they could not be found.

The girls' families are trying to build up enough evidence to launch a new prosecution of Russell Bishop, 36.

Bishop was acquitted by a jury of strangling Karen and Nicola but was jailed for life in 1991 for the attempted murder of a seven-year-old girl.

Following the repeal of the double jeopardy law last year, he could be charged again with the Babes in the Wood killings if police believe they have significant new evidence.

The clothes, which Karen wore when she died could harbour DNA evidence.

Karen's family has demanded an inquiry into how the Public Eye current affairs programme, fronted by Mr Bashir, lost the clothes.

The corporation admitted yesterday that it might be responsible.

Karen's mother Michelle, said Mr Bashir and the BBC agreed to keep in touch but never contacted the family and the programme was never aired.

She had forgotten who was at the meeting when she handed the clothes over in 1991 but recently found a receipt in her loft for the items signed by Mr Bashir.

A spokesman for the BBC said: "We have only recently learned these items may have been in the possession of Public Eye in 1991.

"We have made extensive inquiries to try to track them down but without success.

"We will continue to look into this."

Mr Bashir's spokesman, John Miles, said: "All he can remember is he was working for the Public Eye programme in 1991 and he can remember vaguely there were suggestions about making a programme but he can't remember giving the receipt.

"He has seen it and says it looks like his signature on it so it must be correct."