Detectives investigating the murder of Jo Yeates have combed a lane close to where the 25-year-old’s body was found, it emerged today.
Residents in Long Ashton near Bristol reported police officers searching grass verges along Providence Lane, which connects the village to Longwood Lane.
Jo’s frozen body was discovered dumped on the verge of the secluded lane by dog walkers on Christmas Day.
The development strengthens claims the killer could have avoided CCTV cameras on the Clifton Suspension Bridge en route to dump her body.
If the killer did approach Longwood Lane via Providence Lane, it would suggest he or she travelled via Brunel Way on Bristol’s Cumberland Basin, which has no cameras.
One local man, who did not wish to be named, said: ”There was loads of police going through the undergrowth around Providence Lane with sticks.
”I have no idea if they found anything useful.”
Avon and Somerset Police today confirmed officers were carrying out searches in Long Ashton as part of their inquiries.