Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 07 Maret 2015 | 14.43
The families of three London schoolgirls feared to have fled to Syria to become jihadi brides have accused the Metropolitan Police of failing to pass on a crucial letter.
They say a letter from the force requesting to interview the girls in relation to a classmate who ran off to Syria last year should have been handed directly to the families.
However, the letters were hidden by the girls in their school textbooks and their families never saw them.
Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-old Amira Abase, who attended Bethnal Green Academy in east London, sparked a police hunt after they flew to Istanbul from Gatwick Airport last month and are now believed to be in Syria.
Abase Hussein, the father of Amira, insisted that if he had seen the police letter he would have talked his daughter out of leaving and taken away her passport.
Video:Missing Amira's Dad: 'Come Home'
Halima Khanom, sister of Kadiza Sultana, said: "We wouldn't have been here today doing this if we'd got that letter and known what was going on."
Scotland Yard confirmed that it sent letters out to the three girls after their friend disappeared in December and that they were also spoken to by officers as part of a "routine inquiry".
A Metropolitan Police statement said: "The Metropolitan Police Service has been engaged with staff at the girls' school since December 2014 as part of the routine inquiry by officers investigating the disappearance of their friend.
Video:London Schoolgirls 'In Syria'
"There was nothing to suggest at the time that the girls themselves were at risk and indeed their disappearance has come as a great surprise, not least to their own families.
"The girls were spoken to in December 2014 as part of the routine inquiry by officers investigating the disappearance of their friend.
"We continue to liaise with the school and local education authority in connection with this ongoing investigation."
Thousands of large companies will be forced to share details of the difference between what they pay their male and female workers.
The Government has agreed to implement the Liberal Democrat measure despite years of Tory opposition to it.
The move will mean companies employing more than 250 people will be required to publish the gap between average pay for their male and female workers.
More than 10 million people across the UK are currently working at firms covered by the legislation.
The current approach, which is voluntary, has seen only five out of around 7,000 large companies publish their gender pay gap.
Video:Dec: Gender Pay Gap
The new measure, which will come into force within 12 months, could result in fines of up to £5,000 for firms that do not reveal the details.
Equalities Minister Jo Swinson said she was "delighted" her party won the "argument in Government".
She said the move "will force companies to ask themselves difficult questions about how they are valuing the contribution of women in their workforce and act to address problems".
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "These measures will shine a light on a company's policy so that women can rightly challenge their employer where they are not being properly valued and rewarded."
The legislation will be debated in the Lords on Wednesday, with the Government tabling an amendment to the Small Business Bill.
A Government spokesman said: "Under this Government the gender pay gap is the lowest ever and has virtually been eliminated for those working full time under 40.
"However the pay gap persists, so we think it's time to move forward, so we can create the conditions to ensure that there is equality in workplaces across the country."
Video:Dec: Gemma Arterton On Equal Pay
Shadow equalities minister Gloria De Piero said: "This is fantastic news for women but why have they waited so long?
"The reality is that it's only when the Government realised they would be defeated on this issue by Labour in the House of Lords that they saw the need to act."
The move comes as the head of the UN agency promoting equality for women said not a single country has reached gender parity.
UN Women executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka made the comments 20 years after a groundbreaking conference in Beijing where 189 nations adopted a blueprint to achieve equality for women.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka said that although progress had been made since Beijing, there are still fewer than 20 female heads of state and government.
She said the number of female politicians increased from 11% to just 22% in the past 20 years.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka also said "the sheer scale of the use of rape that we've seen post-Beijing", especially in conflict situations, "tells us that the women's bodies are viewed not as something to respect, but as something that men have the right to control and to abuse."
Written By Unknown on Jumat, 06 Maret 2015 | 14.43
Drivers are to get ten minutes' grace before being given a ticket if they stay too long on council parking spots.
The changes in the law in England are expected to come in within weeks and will apply to all on-street and off-street council parking spots.
Other measures in the Deregulation Bill include a right for residents and local firms to demand their council reviews parking in their area.
CCTV camera cars that automatically issue parking fines are to be made illegal - apart from in areas near schools and in bus lanes.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: "We are ending the war on drivers who simply want to go about their daily business.
Video:Councils' Parking Revenue Soars
"For too long parking rules have made law-abiding motorists feel like criminals, and caused enormous damage to shops and businesses.
"Over-zealous parking enforcement undermines our town centres and costs councils more in the long term."
Fines at out-of-order parking meters when there is no alternative way to pay will also be scrapped.
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Gallery: How To Appeal A Parking Fine
Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) are usually issued by local councils or Transport For London for alleged contraventions in council-owned car parks or on-street parking infringements.
If you pay within 14 days, you usually receive a 50 per cent discount. Any appeal should be made within this period so that even if your appeal is unsuccessful, you will still pay the reduced fee.
Figures obtained exclusively by Sky News have revealed that eight-year-olds have been issued shotgun certificates by police in England.
A Freedom of Information request to all police forces in England and Wales shows in the last five years, eight-year-olds have received the certificates in Devon and Cornwall, Lancashire, Sussex and Kent.
Chief Superintendent Jim Nye from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "The Firearms Act of 1968 allows someone of that age to have a shotgun.
"Devon and Cornwall is very much a rural community, and the young persons who are asking for a certificate to be granted are generally brought up in a farming community where it's tradition and we don't give them out without (a) substantial amount of checks."
Sky News' Freedom of Information request showed more than 670 under 14s have been given shotgun certificates by police in the last five years.
Video:Gun Safety For A Six Year Old
Every force in the country was able to provide a five-year breakdown for under 14s except Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire, the Metropolitan Police, South Yorkshire, Essex and Sussex Police.
There is no minimum age for applying for a shotgun certificate in the UK, with the chief constable of each force deciding whether to issue the licence.
The law still prohibits people under 18 from owning or buying a shotgun, or using one without supervision.
Police recorded 7,709 offences involving firearms in 2013/14, down from 8,135 the year before.
However some campaigners fear that introducing children to guns at a young age may mean they turn to them in a crisis.
Christine Hall from Gun Control Network said: "The danger is it poses in the mind-set of the child that it's fun to kill things.
Video:BASC Young Shots Ambassador's View
"It seems strange that a child can't go into a pub and have a pint but they can have access to a shotgun."
The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) is Britain's largest shooting organisation.
They actively encourage young people to try shooting sports.
A BASC spokesperson told Sky News that it supports the Home Office in guidance on firearms law, which has said: "It is in the interests of safety that a young person who is to handle firearms should be properly taught at a relatively early age."
They added: "For many children growing up in families where shooting is a part of life, acquiring a shotgun certificate is part of training in shooting safely which emphasises responsibility and self-discipline.
"This can only be to the public benefit and as the police confirm is no threat to public safety."
Written By Unknown on Kamis, 05 Maret 2015 | 14.44
By Thomas Moore, Health And Science Correspondent
Scientists are asking the public to step in and fund a controversial study into the effect of LSD on the brain.
So far 20 volunteers have had brain scans while high on the hallucinogenic drug as part of a study that was given a small amount of funding by Imperial College London and the Beckley Foundation.
But the researchers, led by former government drugs tsar Professor David Nutt, need a further £25,000 to analyse the scans.
Prof Nutt launched an appeal on the science crowdfunding site Walacea.com after traditional research councils and other groups refused to fund the study because it involved an illegal recreational drug.
He said: "Despite the incredible potential of this drug to further our understanding of the brain, political stigma has silenced research.
"We must not play politics with promising science that has so much potential for good."
Prof Nutt said research in the 1960s suggested LSD could be used to treat addiction, depression and chronic pain.
Yet since being made illegal in 1967 there has only been one clinical study and two neuroscience studies.
"That is an absurd amount of censorship," said Prof Nutt, who was sacked as the government's chief drugs advisor after saying ecstasy and LSD were less harmful than alcohol.
The 20 volunteers in the new study were injected with a "moderate" dose of LSD.
None of the participants reported having a bad experience, though three said they had some anxiety and temporary paranoia.
Another of the researchers, Dr Robin Carhart-Harris of Imperial College London, said: "What's especially intriguing is that people can have a very challenging experience yet afterwards they seem to be somehow psychologically refreshed by the experience."
The stepbrother of Bristol teen Becky Watts, 16, has been charged with her murder, Avon and Somerset Police have said.
Nathan Matthews, 28, has been identified as the teenager's stepbrother by family members.
His girlfriend Shauna Hoare, 21, who goes by the name Shauna Phillips on social media, has been charged with intending to pervert the course of justice.
Shauna Hoare has also been charged Pic: Facebook
Both are due before Bristol Magistrates' Court this morning.
Four men and woman, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, remain in police custody. Officers were granted a further 24 hours to question the five, all in their 20s, by a magistrate earlier on Wednesday.
Video:Flowers Laid By Becky's Family
Becky disappeared from her home in Crown Hill, in the St George area of Bristol, on 19 February. Her family reported her missing the following day.
Police on Tuesday said body parts had been found at a house in the Barton Hill area of the city.
Formal identification has not yet been completed.
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Gallery: Tributes to Rebecca Watts
Public lay flowers near a property in Barton Court, Bristol, as a tribute to teenager Rebecca Watts
Two people have been charged in connection with the murder. Continue through for more images
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Video:Becky Watts: Latest
The family of Becky Watts have said they are "devastated" after police looking for the missing 16-year-old announced they had found body parts.
A massive search for the teenager has been under way since she was reported missing from her home in Bristol on 20 February.
Becky's family said in a statement they were "at an utter loss to understand why anyone would want to hurt our beautiful Becky in such a brutal way".
Two people - a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman - were arrested on Monday by Avon and Somerset Police on suspicion of murder.
Police have been granted an additional 24 hours to question the pair, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of Becky's kidnap.
Five other people - four men and a woman - have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
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.
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Gallery: Becky Watts: Body Parts Found
Police investigating the disappearance of teenager Becky Watts say they have found body parts at a house in Bristol
Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman remain in custody on suspicion of murder
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Police clear undergrowth close to a property that has a forensic tent erected in the garden in Barton Court, Bristol. Continue through for more images
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"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."
Becky left home on 19 February with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not tell anyone where she was going.
A statement released by Becky's mother Tania, grandmother Pat and brother Daniel said: "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.
Video:Missing Girl - Body Parts Found
"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."
In a separate Facebook post, her brother wrote: "Can't believe what I'm hearing, Really have lost faith in humanity this day. RIP sis love you forever an always xx."
Her cousin, Dale Martin Galsworthy, posted: "At breaking point, how can you do this you monsters I will never forgive you, you have broken my family's hearts for life."
Becky's father and step-mother, Darren and Anjie Galsworthy, described the news as "too much to bear".
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed their horror at the latest developments.
Video:'The Whole Community Is In Shock'
"The whole community is in shock," one resident told Sky News.
Detectives have seized a black Vauxhall Zafira - registration HY06 HYA - and say they want to speak to anyone who has ever owned the car or has seen it between 19 and 23 February.
Police have put up a white tent outside a property in Barton Court while forensic teams continue their work.
The property is a mid-terrace home close to Cotton Mill Lane, where police were carrying out searches on Monday.
Officers have also previously carried out searches at her home in Crown Hill, St George, and at a house in Wilton Close, Southmead.
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Becky Watts Search: Police Find Body Parts
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Video:Becky Watts: Latest
The family of Becky Watts have said they are "devastated" after police looking for the missing 16-year-old announced they had found body parts.
A massive search for the teenager has been under way since she was reported missing from her home in Bristol on 20 February.
Becky's family said in a statement they were "at an utter loss to understand why anyone would want to hurt our beautiful Becky in such a brutal way".
Two people - a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman - were arrested on Monday by Avon and Somerset Police on suspicion of murder.
Police have been granted an additional 24 hours to question the pair, who had previously been arrested on suspicion of Becky's kidnap.
Five other people - four men and a woman - have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
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.
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Gallery: Becky Watts: Body Parts Found
Police investigating the disappearance of teenager Becky Watts say they have found body parts at a house in Bristol
Four men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 28-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman remain in custody on suspicion of murder
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Police clear undergrowth close to a property that has a forensic tent erected in the garden in Barton Court, Bristol. Continue through for more images
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"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."
Becky left home on 19 February with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not tell anyone where she was going.
A statement released by Becky's mother Tania, grandmother Pat and brother Daniel said: "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.
Video:Missing Girl - Body Parts Found
"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."
In a separate Facebook post, her brother wrote: "Can't believe what I'm hearing, Really have lost faith in humanity this day. RIP sis love you forever an always xx."
Her cousin, Dale Martin Galsworthy, posted: "At breaking point, how can you do this you monsters I will never forgive you, you have broken my family's hearts for life."
Becky's father and step-mother, Darren and Anjie Galsworthy, described the news as "too much to bear".
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed their horror at the latest developments.
Video:'The Whole Community Is In Shock'
"The whole community is in shock," one resident told Sky News.
Detectives have seized a black Vauxhall Zafira - registration HY06 HYA - and say they want to speak to anyone who has ever owned the car or has seen it between 19 and 23 February.
Police have put up a white tent outside a property in Barton Court while forensic teams continue their work.
The property is a mid-terrace home close to Cotton Mill Lane, where police were carrying out searches on Monday.
Officers have also previously carried out searches at her home in Crown Hill, St George, and at a house in Wilton Close, Southmead.
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A man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 15-year-old cyclist stabbed while riding with friends in north London.
Alan Cartwright was attacked in Islington on Friday evening.
The youngster received one stab wound and managed to continue riding for a short while along the road before collapsing.
Emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
CCTV of the attack showed the bikes belonging to Alan's friends were taken by a number of men.
The 18-year-old suspect was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday.
At a vigil on Saturday, Alan's sister Cherries spoke about how the family had been "deeply affected" by his death.
"He was every sort of personality you can think of, really, all wrapped in one. He had his moments, but he beat them with his laughter and his jokes and joys," she said.
"Everyone here is showing their support for us. We are all here, celebrating [his life]. It still hasn't really hit me."
Three British plane spotters have been arrested in Dubai and are being held in prison.
Conrad Clitheroe, 53, and his friend Gary Cooper, 45, have been detained along with their former work colleague, expat Neil Munro, since February 21, according to Mr Clitheroe's wife Valerie.
The trio were reportedly taking notes near Fujairah Airport, about 80 miles from Dubai.
They were stopped by an off-duty policeman and were accused of committing a "national security offence".
It is understood the men are being held at Fujairah prison and the case is being dealt with by Dubai public prosecution.
Mr Clitheroe's wife says her husband is forced to share a cell with more than 20 men.
He was originally due to fly home on February 22 following a planned four-day trip.
She said: "We were just totally shocked when we heard and couldn't believe it was true.
"He's really choked up every time I've spoken to him. They're trying to help each other but it's difficult not knowing.
"They would never do anything that would risk national security. They weren't taking pictures. They didn't realise plane spotting was such an issue."
She has spoken to her husband three times on the telephone since his arrest and is worried about the state of his health.
"He's got high blood pressure and a heart murmur," she said. "He goes for regular check ups and takes quite a lot of medication which will have run out now."
One solicitor had told her it would cost her $30,000 (£20,000) for just one visit.
The charity Detained in Dubai has now intervened and is seeking the release of the three men.
Its founder Radha Stirling said: "All three friends have a shared hobby of plane spotting and were keen to see Fujairah airport, where many older and rarer aircrafts can be seen.
"The practice is legal in the UAE though not widely understood, nor appreciated by authorities."
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said: "We can confirm the arrest of three British nationals in Dubai on 22 February. We are providing consular assistance at this time."
It is not the first time British plane spotters have got into trouble abroad. In 2010, two men were arrested in India after asking for a hotel room overlooking a civilian runway. In 2001, 12 spotters were held in Greece for taking photos at an air show.
Written By Unknown on Senin, 02 Maret 2015 | 14.43
Police have been given new powers to catch motorists driving under the influence of drugs.
Officers will no longer have to prove a driver was too impaired to be behind the wheel, just that they had an illegal level of substances in their system.
They will be able to prosecute drivers in England and Wales caught exceeding new legal limits for how much of a substance motorists can have in their system while driving.
The levels for the illegal drugs, which include heroin, cocaine and cannabis, virtually mean there will be zero tolerance for drivers apprehended with these substances in their system.
The prescription drugs for which legal levels have been set include morphine, methadone and diazepam. People using these drugs within recommended amounts will not be penalised.
Video:New Roadside Drug Driving Test Kit
Police will be able to use "drugalysers" to screen for cannabis and cocaine at the roadside.
They will also be able to test for these and other drugs, including ecstasy, LSD, ketamine and heroin, at a police station, even if a driver passes the roadside check.
Drivers who test positive will face a criminal record, loss of their licence for at least a year, and a fine of up to £5,000.
Around 200 people are killed on roads each year in Britain because of drug drivers.
Road Safety Minister Robert Goodwill said: "This new law will save lives. We know driving under the influence of drugs is extremely dangerous; it devastates families and ruins lives.
"The Government's message is clear - if you take drugs and drive, you are endangering yourself and others and you risk losing your licence and a conviction."
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Video:Search For Missing Teen Intensifies
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.
Forensic teams are searching a house in Southmead
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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Search For Missing Becky Watts Intensifies
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Video:Search For Missing Teen Intensifies
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.
Forensic teams are searching a house in Southmead
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.
1/14
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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Written By Unknown on Minggu, 01 Maret 2015 | 14.43
Two Held Over Missing Teen Becky Watts
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Video:Search For Missing Teen Continues
Two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 16-year-old Becky Watts in Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police have said.
The arrests follow the discovery of a discarded laptop in woodland close to where the missing teen was last seen over a week ago.
The grey Toshiba, uncovered by volunteers who joined over 100 friends and family scouring the area, has been handed to investigators.
Announcing the arrests, Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks urged anyone with information relating to Becky's disappearance to come forward.
Becky was last seen on 19 February
"Whilst the two people are being questioned our search for Becky continues unabated," she said.
"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."
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Gallery: Over 100 Volunteers Join Search For Rebecca Watts
More than 100 people, including friends and family, have been taking part in a search for Rebecca Watts
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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Rebecca Watts' grandfather John Galsworthy joined a search in a park near Oldbury Court Estate in Bristol
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Mr Galsworthy is pictured once again on the left
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Becky was last seen at her home in Crown Hill, in the St George area of the city, on 19 February.
Police said she took her phone, laptop and tablet computer, but did not tell her friends or family where she was going, or take extra clothes.
Becky's father and step-mum Darren and Angie-Mae Galsworthy have released a statement saying they are preparing "for the worst".
"The police have told us today that two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Becky," it said.
"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.
"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."
Her father has previously suggested on his Facebook page he fears his daughter may have been attacked.
He appealed to any wives or girlfriends who have washed any blood from their loved ones' clothes that cannot be explained to get in touch with police.
The teenager, described as shy, was reported missing by her family at 4pm on February 20.
The detective leading the hunt has said Rebecca's disappearance was "totally out of character".
Detective Inspector Richard Ocone said: "She has not taken anything that would suggest she was going to stay away for a long period of time."
Police divers have searched a lake in St George's Park, close to the youngster's home.
Dogs and mounted officers have been involved in the hunt and officers from neighbouring force areas have also been drafted in to help.
Becky's grandparents, John Galsworthy and Patt Watts were among those taking part in Saturday's search.
Her grandmother told Sky News: "Everybody needs to feel they are doing something to bring her home.
"We're totally behind Darren and Angie (Becky's father and step-mum).
"It's our way of being their eyes, their ears, their feet... They can't see how many people are looking for their daughter."
Meanwhile a social media campaign using the hashtag #FindBecky launched earlier this week has gathered momentum.
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 is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting MP 591/15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Two Held Over Missing Teen Becky Watts
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Video:Search For Missing Teen Continues
Two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of 16-year-old Becky Watts in Bristol, Avon and Somerset Police have said.
The arrests follow the discovery of a discarded laptop in woodland close to where the missing teen was last seen over a week ago.
The grey Toshiba, uncovered by volunteers who joined over 100 friends and family scouring the area, has been handed to investigators.
Announcing the arrests, Detective Superintendent Liz Tunks urged anyone with information relating to Becky's disappearance to come forward.
Becky was last seen on 19 February
"Whilst the two people are being questioned our search for Becky continues unabated," she said.
"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."
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Gallery: Over 100 Volunteers Join Search For Rebecca Watts
More than 100 people, including friends and family, have been taking part in a search for Rebecca Watts
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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Rebecca Watts' grandfather John Galsworthy joined a search in a park near Oldbury Court Estate in Bristol
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Mr Galsworthy is pictured once again on the left
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Becky was last seen at her home in Crown Hill, in the St George area of the city, on 19 February.
Police said she took her phone, laptop and tablet computer, but did not tell her friends or family where she was going, or take extra clothes.
Becky's father and step-mum Darren and Angie-Mae Galsworthy have released a statement saying they are preparing "for the worst".
"The police have told us today that two people have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Becky," it said.
"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.
"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."
Her father has previously suggested on his Facebook page he fears his daughter may have been attacked.
He appealed to any wives or girlfriends who have washed any blood from their loved ones' clothes that cannot be explained to get in touch with police.
The teenager, described as shy, was reported missing by her family at 4pm on February 20.
The detective leading the hunt has said Rebecca's disappearance was "totally out of character".
Detective Inspector Richard Ocone said: "She has not taken anything that would suggest she was going to stay away for a long period of time."
Police divers have searched a lake in St George's Park, close to the youngster's home.
Dogs and mounted officers have been involved in the hunt and officers from neighbouring force areas have also been drafted in to help.
Becky's grandparents, John Galsworthy and Patt Watts were among those taking part in Saturday's search.
Her grandmother told Sky News: "Everybody needs to feel they are doing something to bring her home.
"We're totally behind Darren and Angie (Becky's father and step-mum).
"It's our way of being their eyes, their ears, their feet... They can't see how many people are looking for their daughter."
Meanwhile a social media campaign using the hashtag #FindBecky launched earlier this week has gathered momentum.
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 is asked to contact Avon and Somerset Police on 101, quoting MP 591/15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
CCTV footage has emerged appearing to show the three teenage girls who are thought to have joined Islamic State in Syria.
Three girls - believed to be Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-old Amira Abase - are seen at a bus station in Istanbul in the footage, which was shown on the Turkish television channel A Haber.
The girls are seen wrapped up in heavy winter jackets, two with hoods pulled up, and carrying packed sports bags and holdalls.
Kadiza Sultana, Shamima Begum and Adiza Abase
The footage was recorded in the early hours of 18 February, less than 24 hours after the trio left their homes in east London, telling their families they would be out for the day.
They then boarded a flight to Turkey from Gatwick, and are since believed to have crossed the Turkish border into Syria.
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Gallery: Three Schoolgirls From East London Go Missing
These pictures were taken from Kadiza Sultana (l) and Shamima Begum's (r) Twitter accounts
Kadiza and Shamima are feared to be on their way to Syria with a third girl, 15-year-old Amira Abase
