Becky Watts: Two arrested on suspicion of murder

Police search the home of missing Becky Watts in Bristol on Sunday. Picture: SWNS

A 28-year-old man and 21- year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of kidnap on Saturday and further arrested yesterday, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The 16-year-old was last seen at her home in the St George area of Bristol on 19 February.

Her family were said to be “distraught” at news of the arrests.

Missing girl Becky Watts, right, and best friend Courtney Bicker. Picture: SWNS

Earlier, two forensics vans were seen leaving with several brown evidence bags from Becky’s home.

Three homes in the city have been searched as part of the investigation, the force said.

No further details of the identities of the two people arrested were given by police.

Schoolgirl Becky left home with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not tell friends or family where she was going, or take extra clothing.

Police have been searching for the teenager since she was reported missing by her family at 4pm on 20 February.

Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour said: “On Saturday afternoon we arrested two people in connection with the Becky Watts missing person investigation.

“A 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of the kidnap of Rebecca Watts. This afternoon, they have been further arrested on suspicion of the murder of Rebecca Watts. Both are still in police custody at this time.

“This morning, a district judge granted us a warrant of further detention which gives us a further 36 hours to question these two individuals.

“In the meantime, our search for Becky continues unabated.”

Extra officers have been drafted in from the surrounding area to assist with the search and a police helicopter has also been brought in to help cover the area.

Det Supt Courtiour also said police had extended searches to include a house in Southmead and one in the Barton Hill area of Bristol.

“These are detailed forensic searches which will take some time to complete,” he said.

“We continue to carry out both open land searches and detailed house-to-house inquiries in the local area. We have also conducted extensive CCTV inquiries and detailed analysis of traffic cameras in the area.”

He appealed for anyone who might have information on the case to come forward immediately.

“Someone out there might have vital information which could help us find Becky.

“This morning, we published an appeal for information from anyone who may have seen a black Vauxhall Zafira, registration number HY06 HYA, in the local area any time between the morning of Thursday 19 February to Monday 23 February.

“We have seized this car but we need the public’s help in tracing where it might have been during those key days.”

He thanked local communities who had supported the investigation and asked that any public searches planned for the next few days were co-ordinated through police.

He said the Twitter hashtag FindBecky had reached thousands of people and the total reach for the social media campaign had been more than four million people worldwide.

“Becky’s family are understandably distraught and we are working closely with them to support them at this difficult time,” he said.

“I would like to repeat our plea for anyone who has any information regarding this investigation to contact us immediately.

“You can call 101, leave information with CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111, or use our website,” he added.