The solicitor representing convicted killer Michael Stone is appealing for the public's help over a dramatic new lead.

Paul Bacon says it is vital the driver of a small red 4x4-style car comes forward as soon as possible.

The vehicle is said to have been in the same lane as Lin Russell, 45, and her six-year-old daughter Megan before they were murdered.

Gillingham resident Stone was twice convicted of their killings but has always denied any involvement.

Mr Bacon was speaking today after serial killer Levi Bellfield wrote a four-page statement admitting attacking the Russells with a hammer.

The campaigning lawyer is pleading for any information about the car which is said to have driven past the family about half-an-hour before they were bludgeoned in land off Cherry Garden Lane in Chillenden near Canterbury.

He believes the driver could hold vital clues into the bloody onslaught on July 9, 1996.

A second daughter, Josie, was left for dead and the family's pet dog was also killed.

He said: "I know it's a long time ago. But this could be a vital witness who we need to speak to."

He said the vehicle was spotted in the lane at about 4pm.

The bloody assault is believed to have happened at about 4.30pm as the mum and daughters walked home from a school swimming gala.

Mr Bacon and his team will be handing over Bellfield's candid confession to the Criminal Cases Review Committee (CCRC) this week.

He is is also asking for more forensic tests on a bootlace found at the scene which was lost by police but rediscovered last year.

He said: "I am asking for three knots in the lace to be untied.

"They may contain preserved DNA which could link the killer or a member of their family."

He would not confirm whether the latest clue did or did not come from Bellfield.

Mr Bacon described his admission as "by far the biggest breakthrough" in the the bid for Stone's freedom.

The 61-year-old is serving three life sentences. After nearly 25 years behind bars, he has always maintained his innocence.

If he is found not guilty of the crime it could be be of the biggest miscarriages of justice in history.

Mr Bacon said he would be visiting Stone at HMP Frankland in County Durham with defence barrister Mark McDonald.

He said: "I would hope the CCRC will give us an indication within about four weeks.

"If it is rejected we may have to go directly to the police."

Kent Police says it has no plans to reinvestigate the case at this stage.