Rebecca Watts: Friends And Family Join Hunt

More than 100 friends and family of a missing 16-year-old girl are spending the day searching for her in the city where she was last seen.

Rebecca Watts was last seen at her house in Crown Hill, in the St George area of Bristol, more than a week ago.

She left home on 19 February with her phone, laptop and tablet computer but did not tell her friends or family where she was going, or take extra clothes.

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

John Galsworthy, Becky's paternal grandfather, said the family were trying to remain strong as the search intensifies.

Mr 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."

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.

Family and friends were due to meet in the Fishponds area of Bristol on Saturday in an effort to shed light on her whereabouts.

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."

Her father, Darren Galsworthy, has 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.

Police previously said there was "nothing to suggest" that Becky had come to harm, despite the fears of the girl's father.

A social media campaign using the hashtag #FindBecky has also 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, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.