Hundreds gather to release balloons in tribute to murdered teenager Becky Watts

BALLOONS filled the sky over St George's Park in Bristol this morning as local residents paid tribute to murdered teenager, Becky Watts.

Around 300 friends, family and local residents gathered in St George Wheel Park SWNS

Around 300 friends, family and local residents gathered in St George Wheel Park this morning

Around 300 friends, family and local residents gathered in St George Wheel Park at 11:30am today to remember Becky Watts.

The balloon release was publicised by a Facebook community page set-up to honour the memory of the Bristol schoolgirl.

It feels emotionally impossible to be able to talk about Becky at the moment. It’s very hard to take in

John Galsworthy

Becky's father Darren Galsworthy attended the touching tribute to his daughter, with Becky's stepmother Anjie Galsworthy.

He was photographed crying and hugging friends and family as dozens of coloured balloons jostled in the overcast sky.

Hundreds of people have paid personal tributes to the murdered teenager through the Facebook page.

"This beautiful girl will never be forgotten loved by everyone even us who didn't know her," one user wrote.

Another posted: "Forever in bristols heart fly high becky watts what a beautiful sight it was x" (sic)

Online campaigns and public support has already raised over £10,000 towards Becky's funeral.

Young Becky was described by her mourning relatives as SWNS

Young Becky was described by her mourning relatives as "wonderful"

The balloon release was publicised by a Facebook community page set-up to honour SWNS

The balloon release was publicised by a Facebook community page set-up to honour Becky Watts

Online campaigns and public support has already raised over £10,000 towards Becky's funeral SWNS

Online campaigns and public support has already raised over £10,000 towards Becky's funeral

Becky's 72-year-old grandfather released a balloon for his 16-year-old granddaughter  SWNS

Becky's 72-year-old grandfather released a balloon for his 16-year-old granddaughter

Becky's father Darren Galsworthy attended the touching tribute to his daughter SWNS

Becky's father Darren Galsworthy attended the touching tribute to his daughter

Young Becky, described by her relatives as "wonderful", vanished from her home in Crown Hill, St George, in the city, on February 19. 

A search to find her involved a social media campaign that reached more than four million people across the globe.

However, on Tuesday police confirmed body parts had been discovered at a house in Barton Court, following information that the schoolgirl's body had been "cut up".

The 16-year-old's stepbrother Nathan Matthews, 28, of Warmley, appeared before Bristol Crown Court on Friday charged with her murder.

His girlfriend, Shauna Hoare, 21, will appear before the court later this month charged with perverting the course of justice.

Four other people appeared in court last week charged with helping to dispose and hide the body parts of the murdered teen.

The balloon release this morning comes hours after Becky Watts' heartbroken grandfather said his family are finding it "emotionally impossible" to come to terms with their loss.

PH

"Wonderful" Becky Watts, 16, vanished from her home in Crown Hill on February 19

The 72-year-old grandfather spoke out about his families torment as they try to cope with the harrowing revelations of the past week.

Emotional John Galsworthy told the Sunday Mirror: "We’re right in the throng of everything and emotions are very high in my family at the moment.

"I have to try and be there for them. It’s hard to explain how we’re feeling.

"It feels emotionally impossible to be able to talk about Becky at the moment.

"We have our moments when we’re down and then up again. We’re taking each day as it comes and we’re trying to support each other and comfort each other. It’s very hard to take in.

"It’s a very difficult time but we’re grateful for the messages of support and kindness people have shown."

Thousands observed a one-minute silence before Bristol City’s home game against Crawley Town yesterday.

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