Becky Watts: Man and woman arrested on suspicion of murdering missing Bristol teenager

The search for the 16-year-old's body and information appeals continue

Rebecca Watts, 16, was last seen at her home in St George, Bristol at around 11.15am Thursday 19 February

Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murdering missing Bristol teenager Becky Watts.

The pair, a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were originally detained on Saturday on suspicion of kidnapping her but police announced the change on Monday.

Officers previously emphasised that there was no evidence Becky had come to harm but the statement seemed to confirm her family's worst fears.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset constabulary said both suspects were in police custody and searches for the 16-year-old continue.

Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour said: "Becky’s family are understandably distraught and we are working closely with them to support them at this difficult time."

He thanked local volunteers who had joined searches, saying the force was "touched" by the number of people who helped.

Well-wishers have also used the #FindBecky hashtag to gather information on Twitter, reaching four million people around the world according to police.

"Our search for Becky continues unabated," Det Supt Courtiour added.

"We are drawing upon all possible resources to help us. Additional officers from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Devon and Cornwall and police dogs from South Wales Police have been drafted in and support from the police helicopter.

"Search and missing persons' experts from the National Crime Agency, College of Policing and the National Missing Persons organisations continue to work with our enquiry team."

Police have carried out house-to-house enquiries and CCTV of the area has been analysed.

An appeal was launched earlier for witnesses who may have seen a black Vauxhall Zafira, registration number HY06 HYA, in the local area between the morning of 19 February and 23 February.

Today officers were searching two houses - one in Southmead and one in the Barton Hill area of Bristol after two weeks of combing parks, woodland and other properties.

Becky went missing on 19 February from her home in the St George area of the city and her family previously said they were preparing themselves “for the worst”.

She left with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not inform friends or family where she was going, or take extra clothes.

Police search undergrowth in Netham Park as they continue looking for missing teenager Rebecca Watts in Bristol, England. (Getty Images)

Becky is described as 5ft 4in and slim, with long, bright red hair and was wearing a dark navy blue Puffa jacket with fabric sleeves.

Anyone with information should call Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting MP 591/15, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.