Search For Missing Becky Watts Intensifies

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Police are intensifying their search for missing 16-year-old Becky Watts as a laptop found in woods was revealed not to be hers.

Six specialist teams with officers from four counties are now searching locations within a 1.6-mile radius of her Bristol home - as well as sites surrounding the city.

Forensic teams are searching three houses - in the Southmead and Barton Hill areas and the family home in St George - while a dog unit and a police helicopter are due to be used on Monday.

Becky had her laptop, her phone and her tablet computer with her when she left her house in the St George area on 19 February.

She is said to have left without telling friends or family and did not take any spare clothes.

It had been hoped that the discovery of the laptop in woodland, not far from her home, could be a breakthrough in the case - but it has now been discounted.

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Gallery: Three Locations Are 'Lines Of Inquiry', Police Say

Police are now searching three houses in Bristol as they try to find missing 16-year-old Becky Watts

One of the homes being searched is in Southmead

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More than 100 people, including friends and family, have been taking part in a search for Rebecca.

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The 16-year-old was last seen at her house in Bristol on 19 February

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Members of the public found a discarded laptop during the search

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Police are continuing to question two people in connection with Becky's disappearance but have said they cannot release any information about them at this time.

It came as the Bristol Post reported that a large drum-like object was seen being removed from Becky's home by police.

Friends and family who found the laptop on Saturday said they were planning a new search on Tuesday.

More than 100 people turned out for a search of Vassals Park on Saturday, and members of the teenager's family said they were "overwhelmed" by the support.

Officers, however, said that while the public's help had been "incredible", they requested that any further searches were coordinated through force headquarters.

A police source told Sky News the "investigation has moved on to a very sensitive stage".

The leading officer in the case, Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks, 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. I would ask that all planned public searches are coordinated through us so they dovetail with the extensive search operation we have been running."

Becky's father and step-mum, Darren and Angie-Mae Galsworthy, have released a statement saying they are preparing "for the worst".

Her father earlier suggested on Facebook that he fears his daughter may have been attacked, appealing for anyone who has washed blood from a relative's clothes to get in touch with police.

The teenager, described as shy, was reported missing by her family at 4pm on 20 February.

Anyone with information about Becky is asked to contact police on 101, quoting MP 591/15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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