Wiltshire Police have hit back at the front page story of a national paper today, calling it ‘highly speculative’ and ‘unhelpful’.

The Sunday Express has run a story about the police’s search of a pond in Ramsbury, which was linked to the murder of Sian O’Callaghan.

The story links the search to a number of other missing women, something the police have criticised.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: ““We are disappointed that this article has been printed.

"Although a ‘CID’ source has been quoted, the comments made by this individual are highly speculative and unhelpful to our investigations.

“The searches in the Ramsbury area have been completed as of 4.30pm on 31 May and the items found are now subject to review and testing.

"Wiltshire Police have made no links to the missing women mentioned or any other cases at this stage.

“Detectives are in the early stages of the review and any forensic testing. Speculation such as this is unhelpful and can be potentially distressing for families who may have lost their loved ones.

“Wiltshire Police are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation and will maximise any evidential opportunities that are found. However, at this stage it is too early to make links to missing women or to speculate on why the items were found there.”