Police hunting for missing teenager Becky Watts, who vanished from her Bristol home more than a week ago, have been meticulously searching a house five miles from her home.
Neighbours said a car had been taken away by officers. There were unconfirmed reports that police had been seen searching in the garden.
Officers in protective suits were seen carrying evidence bags from the house in Southmead, on the other side of Bristol from 16-year-old Becky’s home in the St George area of the city.
Avon and Somerset police confirmed the search of the semi-detached house in Wilton Close was a line of inquiry but gave no details.
Media gathering as a search continues of house in southmead #findbecky pic.twitter.com/uCHtHns7hH
— Ken Goodwin (@KenGoodwinITV) March 1, 2015
It is not known if the search is connected to two arrests made by the police on Saturday afternoon. Police are continuing to question the two people, who have not been identified.
One neighbour of the house in Southmead said: “There was a black car. They were looking in the boot and then they took it away. The forensics officers have been here ever since, taking things in and out in bags.” There was no sign of any inhabitants at the house.
Becky disappeared from the house she shared with her father Darren Galsworthy and stepmother Angie-Mae on 19 February, 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 search for the girl, who apparently vanished without any money or a change of clothes.
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. Forensic science officers also removed items from her family home.
A laptop computer 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 search, 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 search.
Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, head of the major crime investigation team at Avon and Somerset Police said: “Our search for Becky continues unabated and we are using all available resources to find her.
“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 have said they still hope to find 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 and stepmother 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.”
