Bodies 'almost certainly' the missing girls

Detectives investigating the murder of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman tonight said they were "as certain as we possibly can be" that two bodies found in remote fenland were those of the missing girls.

The girls’ parents have been told the news, the Deputy Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Police, Keith Hoddy, told reporters.

But he added that it may be some days before the two bodies could be positively identified.

Mr Hoddy today told reporters in front of St Andrew’s Church, Soham: "It is almost exactly two weeks since Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman disappeared from this town, sparking a massive inquiry to find them.

"It is with great sadness that I have to tell you the following news.

"It may be some days yet before we are able to positively identify the two bodies found at Common Drove, near Lakenheath in Suffolk, yesterday lunch-time.

"However, we are as certain as we possibly can be tonight that they are those of Holly and Jessica.

"Holly and Jessica’s families have been told this terrible news.

"Before I say anything else, can I suggest that we pause for a moment in silence, in memory of these two little girls and out of respect for their families and their many hundreds of friends."

After the silence, he continued: "Holly and Jessica were reported missing on the evening of Sunday, August 4, and since that time a huge effort has been mounted to find them.

"We, like the families, refused to give up hope that the girls would be found alive and well. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Holly’s parents and brother and Jessica’s parents and sisters at this ghastly time."