UPDATED: 11/01/2011 17:58
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Images of Jo Yeates and Rebecca Scott
Nearly a month since Joanna Yeates went missing from her home in Caynage Road Clifton; one of her best friends has spoken for the first time of her loss.
Rebecca Scott, 25, spoke openly of their 10 year friendship. She said: "Jo and I met over 10 years ago at the college where we studied. We were 15 years old and hit it off straight away, we were inseparable and have always remained close friends, even when we went off to separate universities.
"Although we didn't see that much of each other in recent months, as both our lives were so hectic, we have always remained close and when we did see each other it was like we had never been apart.
"She was a great friend and I have many fond memories of her, everyone did. She was full of life and energy, and she had so much life still to live, but that has now been taken away. She was extremely warm and friendly and was at a very happy point in her life."
She added: "Every memory I have her is a fond one, from those first nights out we had together to those holidays in Cornwall where we'd spend time camping. Jo was a great lover of the outdoors. When I came to Bristol to visit we'd often sit by the Clifton Suspension bridge, this was one of her favourite places and talk about everything best friends do.
"She was so happy with Greg to, she'd been with him for over 2 years and they were perfect for each other. They were very close and anyone around them could see that happiness and just how good they were together.
"Jo was besotted with Greg and it was great to see that happiness when they moved in together and got the cat. They were perfect."
Joanna went missing on Friday December 17. After leaving the Ram public house on Park Street following drinks with work friends Jo called Rebecca. Rebecca added: "When I found our Jo had gone missing I hoped she was still alive but deep down I couldn't help but think she'd been abducted and some harm had come to her. The next few days both Emma and I spent handing out posters and flyers, we needed to do something to help; I couldn't sleep so kept in regular contact with Jo's family, Greg and Emma.
"As the days went by, as best we could we tried to have a Christmas, my parents were concerned about me and were upset as they too were close to Jo. On Christmas day we heard the news we had all been dreading, we had the TV on watching the news when it was reported a body had been found.
"In a way I felt relief at the news. I was gutted too but I knew that she was now not a missing person and no further harm could come of her. I remember sending her mum a message saying I'm sorry, I didn't know what else to say. Everyone was devastated."
Joanna's body was discovered in Longwood Lane, in Failand near Bristol, a murder investigation was launched and continues.
Rebecca said: "We are now all desperate to see justice done, so if anyone has information I urge you to call the police. You may not have seen or heard anything but think back, has a friend or family member been acting strangely or suspiciously? If so please call the police and think about how you'd never want your best friend found murdered on Christmas day."
Anyone who would like to contact the police can call 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also visit our Facebook site or website
www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/jo where there is a dedicated Operation Braid page.
http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/NewsDetails.aspx?nsid=22383&t=1&lid=1
