POLICE have confirmed they have launched a murder investigation following the death of Jo Yeates.

The post-mortem has revealed that the 25-year-old died as a result of strangulation.

Jo's body was found on the edge of a country lane near Bristol on Christmas morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Phillip Jones from Avon and Somerset police says the post mortem was made difficult due to the fact her body had been left in the extremely cold conditions for what they believe was a number of days.

Her body was found fully clothed at the roadside, although officers say they are keeping an open mind as to whether there was a sexual assault.

Det. Chief Ins. Jones also added that he was open to the possibility that Jo's murder could be linked to other such cases.

The former Embley Park student was last seen alive on the evening of Friday, December 17.

She was reported missing by boyfriend Greg Reardon the following Sunday evening, after he returned home from a weekend away in Sheffield. Det. Chief Ins. Jones confirmed to reporters that Mr Reardon, 27, is a witness and not a suspect.

Jo's parents, who live in Ampfield, along with her brother Chris and boyfriend Greg, made a number of emotional appeals for information before Jo's body was found by dog walkers on Saturday.

The family visited the spot where Jo's body was found yesterday, to lay flowers in tribute to her.

Map of key locations

• Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Operation Braid incident room on 0845 456 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.