Joanna Yeates killer still at large, police warn women

POLICE last night issued a fresh appeal for information in the Joanna Yeates murder investigation as they warned women that the killer was still at large.

• Forensics officers outside Chris Jeffries's flat in Bristol yesterday Picture: Tim Ireland/PA

The 25-year-old landscape architect's body was found on Christmas Day near her home in Clifton, Bristol. A post-mortem revealed she had been strangled.

Ms Yeates's landlord, Chris Jefferies, 65, who was arrested on suspicion of murder last week, was released on police bail on Saturday night.

Mr Jefferies lives two floors above the flat Ms Yeates shared with her architect boyfriend Greg Reardon.

Chief Supt John Stratford, of Avon and Somerset Police, said patrols would be maintained to reassure the public.

Mr Stratford added: "I can understand why the public in the local and wider Bristol area have concerns for their safety at the current time. Whoever killed Joanna remains at large.

"However, I want to reassure the public that at this time there is no specific intelligence or information to suggest an increased threat to their safety.

"Naturally, we ask the public to take the usual precautions. Women should avoid walking alone after dark, householders should try to keep premises secure and just take care when answering the door to strangers."

Forensic officers continued their examination of the smart Victorian property in the upmarket suburb yesterday.

The victim's parents and boyfriend have both issued emotional statements describing their loss. David and Theresa Yeates spoke of the daughter who had been "stolen" from them.

"She was a beautiful and talented young lady who was destined to fly high. Her life was stolen from her and she was stolen from us.

"Our grief and sadness includes the experiences which she missed out on, in terms of family and children, and rising through her profession.

"We are certain Jo's killer will be caught. Jo was taken from us and the method only intensified our grief."

Mr Reardon, 27, described her as "one of the most lovely and genuine people to grace this Earth".

He said: "Jo was a beautiful woman. Beautiful in mind, body and soul. She had a great career ahead of her as a landscape architect and would have achieved many more things if she had only been given the chance.

"Jo's life was cut short tragically. I will always love her."

Mr Reardon, branded as "shameful" internet sleuths who had been speculating and fingerpointing at an "as yet innocent man".

Ms Yeates was last seen on 17 December as she was returning home after a night out in Bristol with work colleagues. Prayers were said for Joanna yesterday in a church near the flat that she shared with Mr Reardon.

Dan Clark, associate vicar at Christ Church, who led the service, asked the congregation to remember the Yeates family, the police investigating the case and the journalists covering it.

He said: "Many of you will know this has been quite a difficult few weeks for the local community following the sad news about Joanna Yeates. I would like us to pause and bring our quiet prayers for Joanna's family."

As the congregation bowed its heads, he added: "As well as praying quietly for Joanna's family, friends and colleagues, let's also pray quietly for the police working hard to solve this case and the press working hard to publicise this case and jog people's memories."

Prayers were also said at churches in Hampshire, where Ms Yeates's parents live.