The sister of the man convicted of the brutal murders of Lin and Megan Russell still believes Levi Bellfield's confession is "absolutely true" – despite reports he has backtracked on his confession.

Barbara Stone remains convinced the serial killer's admission he attacked the mother and her six-year-old daughter in Chillenden, near Canterbury in 1996 will finally prove her brother Michael Stone did not do it.

In a four-page statement handed to Stone's legal team, Bellfield is said to have admitted the brutal killings and the attempted murder of Josie Russell, then aged nine.

But in a story in the Sunday Mirror, a source said he has now denied the killings and only made the confession to "mess" with Stone.

Former Gillingham resident Stone has always denied the heinous crimes.

His sister has campaigned tirelessly over the last 25 years to profess her brother's innocence.

She said: "I continue to believe the statement is true and will be supported by corroborating evidence in time."

She is appealing for anyone who has information about Damian Daley, whose evidence was key to putting Stone behind bars after a so-called prison cell confession, to come forward.

Daley, who comes from Folkestone and who is currently serving life for murder, later admitted in court he was a habitual liar and and had previously lied under oath.

Ms Stone said: "In the meantime the only evidence that remains against Mick is the alleged confession from Damian Daley.

"He is now serving life for murder himself and had shown he was quite capable of lying an example being he admitted lying in the first trial at the second.

"There are lots of people in Folkestone who contacted us with information about the confession and Daley but were then frightened to get involved. I would now appeal to those individuals and anyone else who may he able to help to contact us."

"In addition I would ask for those living in Chillenden at the time of the murders to contact us with any memories of unusual activities/sightings they may have from that day no matter how insignificant they may seem."

Ms Stone is pleading with Kent Police to consider "issues" with Stone's conviction and is demanding an independent police force takes over any future investigation.

The document submitted by Bellfield was sent to the Criminal Case Review Commission which has been looking at having the case re-examined, on behalf of Stone, 61. It has the power to order re-trials.

Meanwhile Stone's solicitor is appealing for the public's help over a dramatic new lead.

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

The vehicle is said to have been in Cherry Garden Lane around the same time as Lin Russell, 45, and her daughters at about 4pm on July 9, 1996.

He 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'm 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 said Bellfield's statement had thrown up significant leads to investigate.

He said: "I'm convinced it is authentic. I am meeting the defence barrister tomorrow (Wednesday) and we shall be compiling a full submission to present to the CCRC."

Bellfield, 53, is serving life for the murder of Milly Dowler, 13, Amelie Delagrange, 22 and 19-year-old Marsha McDonell.