DNA evidence supports a man's confession that he fathered his daughter's children while imprisoning her for 24 years, Austrian police say.

Lower Austria police chief Franz Polzer said Josef Fritzl completely deceived his wife, his family and neighbours in Amstetten, northern Austria.

He said the 73-year-old had forced his daughter, Elisabeth, to write letters saying she had run away.

Mr Fritzl was earlier detained for a further 14 days by a regional court.

Speaking at a news conference, Mr Polzer said police investigators had found clear genetic evidence that Elisabeth's children had been fathered by the accused.

"You can be sure that this man left nothing undone in order to deceive the family, his wife, the relatives, the children and everybody around him," he said.

"He had no scruples to use every possible means to deceive the public and cover up his crime," he added.

(BBC)

<< Back