Becky Watts: Two arrested people questioned as search for missing teenager intensifies

Police said nothing significant had been found in 10 days since disappearance

Rebecca Watts, 16, was last seen at her home in St George, Bristol at around 11.15am Thursday 19 February (Avon and Somerset Police)

The search for missing Bristol teenager Becky Watts is intensifying after another day of efforts found no trace of the 16-year-old.

Police are still interviewing two people who were arrested yesterday in connection with her disappearance. They remain in custody.

Becky has not been seen since 19 February and her family said they continue to hope for her safe return but are now preparing themselves “for the worst”.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said no “significant items” had been recovered during extensive searches around her house in the St George area of Bristol.

A laptop found in a wooded area nearby was not related to the investigation.

The family home, a car parked outside, the lake in St George Park, Netham Park and Troopers Hill nature reserve are among the areas combed by officers and volunteers.

More police resources are being brought in as the search intensifies further, with six specialist teams being boosted by staff from forces in Wiltshire, Devon, Cornwall and Gloucestershire.

Rebecca Watts,16, known as Becky (PA)

A dog unit from Wales and police helicopter will join efforts tomorrow and experts from the National Crime Agency, College of Policing and the National Missing Persons are working on the case.

Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, from 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.”

Becky’s father and step-mother, Darren and Angie-Mae Galsworth, previously said they were “keeping positive” that they would be reunited with her but issued a new statement after being told of Saturday’s arrests.

“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,” the couple said.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted in the search for Becky and for the messages of support.”

She left home on 19 February with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not inform friends or family where she was going or take extra clothes.

Police previously said there was “nothing to suggest” that Becky had come to harm, despite fears voiced by her father that she had been attacked.

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.