The son of the nanny murdered by Lord Lucan claims he has DNA evidence that proves the fugitive aristocrat is still alive.

Neil Berriman, a builder from Petersfield, has spent years searching for Richard John Bingham, the seventh Earl of Lucan, who is believed to have killed his mother.

Sandra Rivett, 29, was bludgeoned to death by Lucan on November 7, 1974, in his home in Belgravia, London, after he mistook her for his estranged wife, Veronica.

Following the murder, Lucan vanished, and though some of his friends initially claimed he had taken his own life, many suspect he used his high-society connections to flee the country.

Despite extensive investigations and numerous reported sightings of a man believed to be Lucan over the years, the aristocrat's fate remains a mystery.

In the latest update of his newsletter Berriman’s Bulletin, Mr. Berriman claims he has uncovered new DNA evidence linking Lucan to fingerprints found during an investigation. This, he argues, bolsters his belief that Lucan survived and is still evading capture.

He said: “Many of you have raised questions about DNA evidence in recent months and I want to address this directly. Some have wondered whether it’s possible to obtain DNA from a fingerprint. The answer is yes—it can be done.”

In addition to unique ridge patterns, fingerprints also leave behind microscopic traces of sweat, skin cells, and other biological material. With modern forensic techniques, DNA can now be extracted from these deposits, even in minute quantities. This breakthrough, known as 'touch DNA,' is a state-of-the-art tool in criminal investigations.

Mr Berriman said: “So, to those asking whether I’ve pursued DNA evidence, let me say this: who said I haven’t? I remain committed to exploring every avenue to bring closure and justice to my mother’s memory.”

He recently featured in a BBC documentary, where, with the assistance of investigative journalist Glen Campbell, he uncovered clues suggesting Lucan may have been in South Africa and, later, Australia.

Mr Berriman was adopted as a baby and only discovered that Sandra was his mother when he turned 40.

He told the BBC: “When it was confirmed Sandra was my birth mother, I fell into complete shock and could not believe somebody would do this to her. I was cross, angry and wanted that man caught.”

Mr Berriman has also co-authored a book with Mr Campbell titled The Search for My Mother’s Murderer, in which they examine evidence, question potential suspects, and investigate the factors that may have allowed Lucan to evade justice.

On the night Sandra was killed, Lord Lucan is known to have driven to a friend's house in East Sussex in a borrowed car, which was later found abandoned in Newhaven with bloodstains inside.

Since his disappearance, there have been numerous reported "sightings" of him around the world, and the manhunt has spanned decades. He was officially declared dead by British authorities in 2016.

Mr Berriman added: “Thank you for standing by me in this mission. Together, we’re moving closer to justice, step by step.”