Becky Watts: Two people arrested as police continue search for missing teenager in Bristol

The 16-year-old's family said they are preparing themselves 'for the worst'

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

Two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Becky Watts as the search for the teenager continues in Bristol.

The 16-year-old went missing on 19 February from her home in the St George area of the city and her family said they are now preparing themselves “for the worst”.

Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, who is heading Avon and Somerset Constabulary’s investigation, said: “Whilst the two people are being questioned our search for Becky continues unabated.

Rebecca Watts,16, known as Becky (PA)

“I would like to appeal once again for anyone who might have information about her whereabouts, or anything else that might help us to find her, to call us.”

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

“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.”

Police have not released details of the arrested people or said what offences they are suspected of.

More than 100 volunteers, including family, friends and concerned well-wishers, gathered in the Fishponds area of Bristol today to mount their own efforts to find her.

John Galsworthy, Becky's paternal grandfather, said the family were trying to remain strong as the search intensifies.

"We are broadening the search,” he added.

"There are groups separate to ours who are going out using their own initiative, going wherever necessary to try and find her.

"We are continuing in the hope there may be something discovered today. We want everyone to keep their eyes and ears open."

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.

More than 6,000 leaflets have been handed out by volunteers, with around 1,500 more expected to be delivered next week.

Police divers have been carrying out open water searches on the lake in St George's Park, which is close to Becky's home, while police from neighbouring force areas have also been drafted in to help.

An online campaign for the social media savvy teenager was launched by police earlier this week, using the hashtag #FindBecky.

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.

Speaking yesterday, Detective Inspector Richard Ocone said: “We are still treating this investigation as a missing person enquiry and we are committed to finding Becky and returning her home, but we need to cover every eventuality.

“We are carrying out a detailed forensic search of Becky’s home where she was last seen to make sure there is nothing we have missed, and intensifying our search of the local area so no stone is left unturned."

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.

Additional reporting by PA