Jo Yeates' killer may have been a Facebook friend

Police are becoming increasingly convinced that the murder victim knew her killer, and are now trawling through her 200 online acquaintances

Detectives in charge of the Jo Yeates murder investigation have suggested that the victim may have been friends with her killer on Facebook.

Police are becoming increasingly convinced that the victim knew her killer, and are now trawling through 200 of her online acquaintances on the social networking site.

With there being no obvious sign of a break-in at her rented Bristol flat, it is suspected that the 25-year-old welcomed her attacker into her home - while her 27-year-old boyfriend Greg Reardon was away.

Having been out with friends at a local pub earlier that evening, Jo was overheard telling pals that she was going to be alone that weekend for the first time since the couple had moved in together last October.

Two days later Jo was reported missing by her boyfriend once he returned to their flat, after visiting friends.

With a Facebook campaign set up last week in an attempt to reach any potential witnesses, police are now investigating all Facebook friends linked to her profile.

It has emerged that Jo had her 'security settings' set relatively low - meaning that anyone with access to the internet could view her profile page.

Detectives are now looking to interview several known acquaintances who don't necessarily live in Bristol, but who have attended parties and gatherings with both Jo and her boyfriend.

Officers are also starting to re-interview close friends, to see if anyone had apparently developed an unusual attachment or infatuation with Jo through the popular website.

The body of Jo Yeates was discovered on Christmas Day.

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