Chris Jefferies is on bail after being released by police ‘pending further inquiries’, as they insist the investigation into Joanna Yeates’ murder is ‘ongoing’.
The 65-year-old spent more than two days in police custody after the architect went missing on December 17. Her body was found on Christmas day by a couple who were walking their dogs in Longwood Lane, Failand, three miles from her home.
Avon and Somerset police said yesterday they were still keen to get more information from the public. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Phil Jones said: “We have a team of over 70 police officers and staff working tirelessly to bring the person responsible for Joanna’s death to justice.
“The incident room has been inundated with thousands of calls from members of the public who have provided us with information. This information is being scrutinised and followed up by specially trained officers who are exhausting every lead and avenue that we are provided with.
“I would once again urge anyone who may not have called us to make contact with one of my officers and provide us with any information you may have.
We are certain that Jo’s killer will be caught. Yeates family
“You may think your information is insignificant but please let us decide. This will be treated in confidence.”
Prayers were said today at the church near Miss Yeates’ flat. Associate vicar Dan Clark, who led the service, said: “As well as praying quietly for
Joanna’s family, friends and colleagues, let’s also pray for the police working hard to solve this case and the press working hard to publicise this case and jog people’s memories.”
Chief Superintendent Jon Stratford said this evening he understood people’s concerns about the murder, but insisted there was no intelligence or information to suggest an increased threat to people’s safety.
“We ask the public to take the usual safety precautions. Women should avoid walking home alone after dark. Just take care when answering the door to strangers.
“We are maintaining increased patrols in the Clifton area to reassure the public.”
Mr Jefferies owned the flat Joanna and her boyfriend Greg Reardon were living in on Canynge Road in Clifton. Police said yesterday forensic teams were still carrying out investigations at the property. After his arrest on Thursday, Mr Jefferies was questioned by police for more than two days, but was released on bail yesterday. Just hours earlier, the Yeates family said they were “certain” her killer would be caught.
David, Theresa and their son Chris said their daughter and sister had been “stolen” from them but that they had found the police “most considerate” and had been kept informed of developments in the investigation.
“We continue to give them our full support and help where we can,” they said. “We are certain that Jo’s killer will be caught.
“Jo was taken from us. The method has only intensified our grief.”
Mr Reardon, 27, also issued a statement in which he spoke of his relationship with Jo: “She had a great career ahead of her as a landscape architect and would have achieved a great many more things in her life if only she was given the chance.
“I will always love her.”