Swindon: Becky Godden House Search

11 November 2014, 12:17

Police investigating the death of Becky Godden, who vanished from Swindon in late 2002, and whose remains were discovered in a Gloucestershire field in 2011, are now searching a house in Swindon.

Detective Chief Inspector, Sean Memory, who is leading the investigation at the home in Ashbury Avenue, said: 

"Activity at the house in Ashbury Avenue continues with over 40 staff members working on the investigation.

On Monday blood dogs from South Wales Police scoured the property and forensically trained Crime Scene Investigators commenced a finger tip search.

We can confirm that a number of items of interest were found at the house and have been sent for analysis by experts"

In addition, detectives are knocking on the doors of neighbours to glean any further information surrounding Becky's disappearance over the Christmas 2002 to New Year 2003 period. 

Posters are also being distributed. 

DCI Memory said: 

''From our enquiries so far we know that Becky was last seen alive on 27 December 2002 but we need friends/acquaintances or anyone who recognises seeing her after that date to come forward so we can gather a full picture of what happened to Becky and when. 

''I can assure any callers that their details will be kept in confidence and would like to reiterate that any information that people have about Becky could help us to get justice for her and her family. 

''I would estimate the searches and activity in the area will take approximately a week but this is dependent on a number of factors such as any items we find and where they are found. Anything of interest will be forensically recovered and will be sent for analysis by forensic experts. 

''Due to the nature of the searches there will be disruption within the house, this will be rectified at the conclusion of the searches. I would like to express my gratitude to the current occupants and all residents in the area for their co operation and understanding.''

DCI Memory continued: 

''Following our latest appeal regarding a silver Volvo S80, which is believed to have been in the Swindon area in 2002/2003, two witnesses have come forward and provided significant information which we are currently exploring in detail. 

''The car, index T661 LGP, is known to have been sold at ASM auctions in Oxfordshire in June 2004 but it is not clear where it went afterwards. I would still like to hear from anyone with information regarding this vehicle. 

''I can also provide an update regarding the searches at Ramsbury where over 600 individual items were recovered in or near to a pond. Each item has now been reviewed and a number are being sent for further expert analysis. Due to the nature of the analysis this may take some time. 

''We continue to work closely with Becky?s family and keep them updated with the progress of our investigation.''

Local Commander, Supt Andrew Carr said: 

''There will be a large amount of police activity in Ashbury Avenue this week and the road will be closed to non residents at the junction with Chalford Avenue for safety reasons and to facilitate these essential searches, we will keep residents updated as to our progress. 

''We recognise that this will cause some issues for the community, we will try to keep the disruption as limited as possible and we appreciate everyone?s understanding. 

''Anyone who does have concerns regarding the police activity can speak to an officer at the police point which has been set up in Ashbury Avenue. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to call Wiltshire Police on 101 or anonymously, if preferred, on Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111.