Elvio Carlino, a researcher at the Institute of Crystallography in Bari, Italy, says the tiny particles reveal ‘great suffering’ of a victim ‘ wrapped up in the funeral cloth’.

These particles had a ‘peculiar structure, size and distribution,’ added University of Padua professor Giulio Fanti.

He says the blood contained high levels of substances called creatinine and ferritin, found in patients who suffer forceful traumas like torture.