killers.

They hope the reward will loosen tongues and uncover the "missing jigsaw piece'' in the week-old inquiry.

Posters advertising the reward -- and carrying a picture of the tragic 17-year-old Canadian -- have been given to overseas and local journalists.

Meanwhile, Police have been accused of harassing young blacks in an increasingly desperate search for the murderers.

Last night relatives of one black man quizzed by officers and taken to hospital to provide blood samples furiously complained to The Royal Gazette .

One protested: "It's not fair for the Police to be harassing these guys without any real evidence.'' The man's mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I think the Police are picking up any young black person.

"I don't like the fact the public are now discriminating against my son.

"People have approached me on the street to say the Police have taken my son in for murder. It's really upsetting.'' The mother's 21-year-old son protested his innocence, saying: "I did not do it. I wouldn't touch a white girl.

"I really mind everyone looking at me like I'm a murderer. It's frustrating.

I'm feeling the pressure.'' It also emerged yesterday: Police suspect two Bermudian men, aged 18 to 20, who were in St. George's around the time of the murder, are the killers. One is darker than the other; The killers are believed to have been riding a dark motorcycle; No murder weapon has been found, although Police believe a knife was used; To date, 14 people have been quizzed by officers. All of them came to the Police station voluntarily; and As reported in The Royal Gazette , the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ottawa are lending DNA expertise to help solve the case. Forensic samples, believed to include blood and semen, are being sent there for analysis; and Assistant Police Commissioner Harold Moniz would mastermind media relations over the murder. Daily Press statements would be given. The Royal Gazette can also disclose the motorcyclist who took Ms Middleton's friend, Jasmine Meens, safely home on the night of the murder provided a mountain of "useful'' information to Police.

But he told officers he did not know the two black men who picked up Ms Middleton on a motorcycle.

The details were released at a Press conference yesterday afternoon as Police launched a media charm offensive.

It followed a barrage of criticism that journalists -- particularly in Bermuda -- were being denied basic information about last Wednesday's murder.

Ms Middleton was a fortnight into a six-week stay at the home of Ms Meens' father, Rick, in Smith's Parish when tragedy struck.

The two girls were at a party in St. George's -- at the home of a Policeman -- shortly before the incident.

Ms Middleton, whose funeral was held yesterday, was found naked in a pool of blood in the early hours of Wednesday morning by a passing motorist.

Witnesses said her chest had been stabbed and throat slit, reportedly from ear to ear. Police have confirmed she was sexually assaulted.

Shortly after the grim discovery, Jasmine's father arrived on the scene, at Ferry Reach, St. George's.

"He said `I don't know how I am going to tell the parents -- she was my responsibility'.'' Sgt. Charmaine Marcus, an 18-year veteran of the Bermuda Force, told journalists.

Mr. Moniz, who headed yesterday's Press conference, said the $10,000 reward was for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Ms Middleton's death.

The posters advertising the rewards contained the teenager's dates of birth and death: June 27, 1979 and July 3, 1996. These details were printed next to the picture of the teen.

Anyone with information on her murder should contact Police Commissioner Colin Coxall, or the Superintendent in charge of CID, at Police headquarters in Prospect (Tel: 295-0011).

Challenged by journalists, Mr. Moniz agreed the reward suggested Police were at a loss and needed public help.

Police offer a $10,000 reward to help find killers But he also voiced optimism Police would solve the mystery -- even though there had been no arrests.

"We are just looking for that missing piece in the jigsaw puzzle,'' said Mr.

Moniz.

Mr. Moniz thanked the public for their "cooperation and understanding'' in helping the murder inquiry.

"Everybody is shocked,'' he said.

Mr. Moniz said he was aware there had been criticism in the media about lack of details on the incident.

But he added the release of certain information could hinder an inquiry in its early stages.

"It is not unknown for some people seeking public attention to confess to crimes after seeing details published in the media.'' Only the 12-man team of investigators -- and the murderers -- were privy to certain information, he said.

This could prove crucial to solving the case.

Mr. Moniz went on to say he would be running the media relations department to ease the burden on Det. Supt. Vic Richmond, who is leading the hunt for the killers.

"Mr. Richmond has been inundated with media inquiries from overseas, and we feel he should be left to concentrate on the murder inquiry.'' He added every morning at 11 a.m. Press releases would be sent out and he would be available for questions.

Mr. Moniz went on to confirm reports the RCMP in Ottawa -- the Mounties -- had been called on to help.

He said unspecified forensic items would be sent there for DNA analysis.

Mr. Moniz explained the Americans at one stage were more advanced in this form of technology -- but Canada had caught up.

"We did use the RCMP some years ago.'' He added: "We hope the test results will come back to us as soon as possible.'' Mr. Moniz did not foresee Bermuda seeking any further outside help -- such as from Scotland Yard.

"I am optimistic we are going to solve this murder. I think we have the expertise here.'' The Police investigation, however, has left some people enraged.

Last night, The Royal Gazette received two calls from residents protesting young blacks -- particularly those who had previously clashed with the law -- were being randomly selected for questioning.

One woman said: "I took my son to the Police because I had heard rumours that he was suspected of the murder.

"He is just trying to put his life together, and the last thing he needs is this.

"My son wasn't in St. George's on the night of the murder. He spent all night with his cousin.'' She added: "It's hurt me to think my son is considered a killer. People are now looking at me strange because they have heard some rumours. I don't think it's fair.''