Forensics experts review Kercher murder evidence

Independent forensic experts have 90 days to review crucial evidence linking American student Amanda Knox to the murder of Meredith Kercher, an appeal court has decided.

Knox appeared tense as she arrived at court in Perugia to appeal against her conviction.

Her lawyers have argued that evidence used to secure her conviction was inconclusive and could have been contaminated during analysis.

The American is hoping now that further analysis of disputed DNA traces found on the handle of a kitchen knife believed to be the murder weapon, will help to clear her name.

The American's former boyfriend, 25-year-old computer studies graduate Raffaele Sollecito, was given a 25-year sentence after prosecuters said Sollecito's DNA was found on the clasp of Kercher's bra.

He is also appealing to have the verdict overturned and is hoping further analysis of key evidence will clear his name.

Besides a re-examination, both Knox and Sollecito's lawyers will also challenge the reliability of witnesses who had claimed to of seen the pair near the house that they shared with Meredith on the night of the murder.