Police investigating the murder of Joanna Yeates today refused to rule out the possibly that there were multiple killers.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones also said he had not ruled out a sexual motive for her murder – despite having no evidence to show the 25-year-old had been sexually assaulted.
He said using the phrase “killers” emphasised that he was keeping an “open mind” into the circumstances of her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Jones said: “At this stage there is no evidence to suggest that Joanna was sexually assaulted.
“However, I have not ruled out that there may have been a sexual motive.
“I think that phrase (killers) emphasises that I am not making any assumptions at this stage and I am keeping an open mind.”
All information that had come into the information room was examined – including Christopher Jefferies’ claim that he had seen three people leave Joanna’s flat on the night of her disappearance.
Former Clifton College teacher Christopher Jefferies, 65, – Jo’s landlord – still remains a murder suspect in the investigation.
DCI Jones said: “That person has been released on police bail and is still a suspect.
Det Chief Insp Jones said Joanna’s flat had been searched “as soon as she was reported missing” and there was “no delay” searching the flat of Christopher Jefferies.
He added: “I believe it was made at an appropriate time.”
Police earlier said they were keen to speak to the driver of a ‘light-coloured 4×4’ spotted close to the scene of where Jo’s body was found.