Friends and neighbours of Jo Yeates today welcomed the arrest – as police sealed off 44 Canynge Road while builders carried equipment into the mansion.
Her best pal Emma Brooks, 25, who studied and lived with Jo at Writtle University, in Chelmsford, Essex, said the arrest of a 32-year-old man was positive news.
She said: ”It is good news – but it is just a case of waiting to see if they have enough to charge him.
”At least the police have something now. It shows the investigation is still going strong – but to be honest I never thought it wasn’t.
”These things take time. DNA evidence and things like that take a while in any investigation. We just have to sit tight now.”
Peter Stanley, who owns the seven-bed mansion at number 42 Canynge Road – next door to Jo’s building – expressed his relief at the news.
The 56-year-old was visited by police investigating Jo’s murder after it emerged he helped start the car Greg Reardon after he suffered a flat battery on the night she went missing.
He said: ”This has come as a bit of a surprise – and a relief. I had a friend call me this morning and tell me the news.
”It’s all quiet here on Canynge Road and has been all morning.
”If police have arrested the right person it will be a great relief for everybody.”
Meanwhile, police cordoned off part of Canynge Road directly outside number 44 at 11am yesterday as builders carried equipment into the house.
Workmen unloaded ladders and planks of wood from two vehicles – a flat-bed truck and a Ford Transit van with the name D.R.A Maintenance Ltd.
Avon and Somerset Police also revealed yesterday that landlord of Canynge Road Chris Jefferies remains on bail and is still a suspect.
The 65-year-old former Clifton College teacher was arrested last month on suspicion of Jo’s murder.
A spokesman said: ”Chris Jefferies remains on bail and he is still a suspect.”
