Police searching for teenager Becky Watts, who has been missing for more than a week, have been focusing on a 2km radius of her Bristol home and are continuing to question two people regarding her disappearance.
Becky, 16, disappeared from her father Darren Galsworthy’s home 10 days ago on February 19, and has not been seen or heard from since.
Please help support our appeal by using the hashtag #FindBecky. pic.twitter.com/FlxW79RFJV
— Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) February 25, 2015
Officers from five police forces are taking part in the desperate search for Becky, who apparently vanished without any money or a change of clothes.
Two people were arrested in connection with her disappearance on Saturday but detectives have refused to reveal their identity, age or gender. They continued to be held in custody on Sunday.
More than 150 family and friends took part in a second mass search of parks and woodland near Becky’s home in St George, Bristol, on Saturday.
Meanwhile, forensics officers have been removing items from the home she shared with Darren, 51, and her stepmother Angie-Mae, 49.
On Sunday, the official Twitter account of Avon and Somerset Police tweeted that they were conducting searches.
Number of places searched within 2km radius of Becky’s home address. No significant items identified during these searches #FindBecky
— Avon&Somerset Police (@ASPolice) March 1, 2015
A laptop computer which was found in woodland during the search on Saturday has been ruled out of the investigation. Becky left home with her laptop, phone and computer.
Six specialist search teams are now involved in the hunt, aided by officers from the neighbouring forces of Wiltshire, Devon and Cornwall, and Gloucestershire.
Experts from the National Crime Agency, College of Policing and the National Missing Persons organisations are also assisting. On Monday, dog teams from south Wales and a police helicopter will join the hunt.
Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, head of the major crime investigation team at Avon and Somerset Police said: “Firstly, I would like to reiterate my message yesterday that our search for Becky continues unabated and we are using all available resources to find her.
“Secondly, I would like to extend my thanks to the local communities in St George and the wider Bristol area who have assisted with our search efforts so far. The sheer number of people who have shown support during the public searches has been incredible.
“I would ask that all planned public searches are co-ordinated through us so they dovetail with the extensive search operation we have running.
“Finally, I would urge anyone who have any information as to Becky’s whereabouts to come forward immediately. Please call us on 101 or use the online reporting page on our website.”
Becky’s family has also vowed to continue their search in the hope of finding the teenager “safe and well”.
Her uncle Joe Galsworthy – who arranged public searches on Wednesday and Saturday – said the arrests had not dampened their determination to find her.
“It hasn’t exactly filled us with confidence but it has in no way, shape or form dampened our spirits or hope that we will find Becky safe and well,” he said. “Family is the most important thing in the world and should always be treasured as something irreplaceable. I hope and pray that she makes a safe return.”
Becky’s father Darren and her step mother, Angie-Mae, said they hoped their daughter would be found safely, but were preparing for the worst.
In a joint statement issued after the arrest on Saturday they said: “The police have told us today that two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Becky.
“Rebecca has still not been found. We continue to hope that she will be found safe and unharmed but we will prepare ourselves for the worst. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted in the search for Becky and for the messages of support.
“We continue to work with the police to bring their investigation to a successful conclusion and we would like to ask members of the public to continue to report anything, however small, if they think it may help to find Becky.”
On Saturday concerned locals gathered near a wooded area of Snuff Mills in the city, where they split into groups and set off on foot to search for clues and hand out leaflets.
The police also urged local people to “flood” shopping centres with posters bearing the phrase “find Becky”. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “We’ve been encouraged by the local communities’ willingness and enthusiasm to help. We would urge those who are keen to help, to go into local shopping centres and flood them with ‘Find Becky’ leaflets. This way you can help us reach more people and increase the chance of finding someone who may have seen her.”
