Missing Becky Watts: Two arrested as family admits they are 'prepared for the worst'

The 16-year-old girl, known as Becky, left the family home in the St George area of Bristol on February 19 with her phone, laptop and tablet computer.

She did not pack any extra clothes, nor did she tell her friends or family where she was headed. 

Avon and Somerset Police have now been searching for her for nine days. 

Becky's father Darren Galsworthy and step-mother Anjie-Mae Galsworthy said: "We continue to hope that she will be found safe and unharmed but we will prepare ourselves for the worst."

In a statement, 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."

More than 100 people gathered in the Fishponds area of Bristol yesterday – armed with thousands of leaflets to hand out in the search for Becky.

Avon and Somerset Police Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, who is leading the investigation, yesterday said: "Whilst the two people are being questioned our search for Becky continues unabated.

"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."

It has been more than a week since the shy teen was last seen at her home in the St George area of Bristol.

Her grandfather, John Galsworthy, said: "We are broadening the search.

"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."

During a search this weekend, a laptop was found in a park. Police have not revealed whether it belongs to the missing teen.

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

Officers from other forces have now been drafted in to help.

Divers have been conducting open water searches on the lake in St George's Park, while Mr Galsworthy said more than 6,000 leaflets had been printed, with around 1,500 more expected to be delivered next week.

He said: "We want to keep people alert. I'm very fortunate to be from a very positive family and we are hoping to bring this to a satisfactory conclusion.

"We are trying to crack on and do what's necessary, and the police are concentrating on the forensics side of things."

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 from 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.