Becky Watts murder probe: Family and neighbours 'heartbroken' after body parts found

Becky's mother, Tania, grandmother Pat and brother Daniel Watts, said: "We are devastated to be told of this latest development.

"We are at an utter loss to understand why anyone would want to hurt our beautiful Becky in such a brutal way.

"We are grateful to the police for all they have done and are continuing to do in this investigation.

"Whilst there are people in custody, none of whom are connected to the Watts family, we will not be making any further comment and we ask that our privacy is respected at this horrific time."

John Galsworthy, speaking on behalf of the Galsworthy family, paid tribute to Becky as a "wonderful" daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece.

"We are heartbroken at what has been discovered overnight," Mr Galsworthy said. "We cannot begin to understand what has happened and why.

"Becky was a wonderful daughter, sister, granddaughter and niece and we cannot put into words how devastated we are.

"We are pulling together as a family and ask to be left alone at this time."

Forensic teams earlier collected rubbish and food waste bins from properties around the Barton Court area.

A private ambulance was seen arriving and then leaving Barton Court a short time later, at 1.10pm.

Sixteen forensics officers wearing protective white suits and face masks then walked into the rear of the property.

Tearful residents have spoken of their horror at the discovery in the quiet cul-de-sac.

A 63-year-old grandmother, who would only give her name as Jen, said: "All the kids go out to play around here.

"I'm scared to imagine that I might have missed her. I am totally devastated and I can't stop shaking and I feel so, so sorry for the parents - my heart goes out to them.

"That poor baby."

Police attended a house in Barton Court, Bristol after receiving information suggesting that Becky's body "had been cut up" and confirmed body parts had been found.

A further four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remain in custody.

The men arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender are aged 29, 29, 23 and 23. The woman is also aged 23.

Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour said: “As a result of new information received late last night, we attended a house at Barton Court in the Barton Hill area of Bristol.

“The information suggested that Becky’s body had been cut up and a search at the new location resulted in the discovery of body parts.

“Although formal identification procedures have not yet been completed, we have made Becky’s family aware of this discovery.

“As a result of this latest development, a further four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“They remain in police custody at this time as do the man and the woman arrested on suspicion of Becky’s murder.

“This is devastating news for Becky’s family and friends and our thoughts are with them. We will continue to offer every support we can to them during this terrible ordeal.”

Two people, a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were yesterday arrested on suspicion of the murder.

This comes after Avon and Somerset police were given a further 24 hours to question two suspects after their arrest on Saturday.

Officers are also appealing for witnesses who saw a black Vauxhall Zafira - registration HY06 HYA - between the "critical time period" of Thursday February 19 and Monday February 23.

The force said the car had been seized but wanted to piece together its movements.

"The critical time period is from the morning of Thursday February 19 until Monday February 23," a spokesman said.

"We are, however, keen to speak to anyone who saw this vehicle in the days either side of this.

"We also need to speak to any previous owners of this vehicle. If you have owned this car in the last few years, we need to speak to you as a matter of urgency.

"We have seized this car but need the public's help in piecing together where it might have been

Forensic teams are examining three homes in the Southmead and Barton Hill area and the teenager's family home. 

Fears have grown for Becky, 16, after she vanished from the family home in the St George area of Bristol on February 19.

She left with no spare clothes, make-up, purse, bank cards or phone charger.

Police said her disappearance was “totally out of character”.

Detectives will now question the suspects for a further 36 hours after an extension was granted by Bristol magistrates. 

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "This morning we have been granted a warrant of further detention regarding the two people arrested in connection with the Becky Watts investigation," the spokesman said.

"During a short hearing at Bristol Magistrates' Court this morning, officers were granted a further 36 hours to question the two people.

"The two remain in custody at this time."

Police are believed to have been digging in the garden of a house six miles away from the teenager's home, while forensics experts carried out a fingertip search of the semi-detached property on Saturday. 

Neighbours of the property being searched in the Southmead area of Bristol said police had taken away a black Vauxhall Zafira which had been parked on the street for more than a week.

The two-storey house was privately rented by a family with two or three children, they added.

There was no sign of the residents – reported to be staying in a local hotel – and it was not clear whether they are connected to the two people being questioned.

One neighbour said last night: “The [police] were here yesterday at about four in the afternoon.

“There was this black car parked up and they were looking in the boot and then they took it away with a crane thing.

The forensics officers have been here ever since, taking things in and out in bags.

"My son came home at 4am and the police were still there.”

Forensics officers have also been removing items from the home Becky shared with her father Darren, 51, and stepmother Angie-Mae, 49.

They included a three-foot high drum.