THE GRIEVING brother of Jo Yeates says his sister’s murder has left him in “a surreal hole of despair.”

Speaking publicly for the first time he made his heartfelt tribute as part of a fresh appeal for information to help catch the killer.

Chris Yeates, 28, said: “Jo was my sister and I shared the fear that my parents had that something bad had happened to her.

“The whole week seemed very unreal up to the time when Jo was found which to me did not bring closure but an acceptance of the situation.

“I got to say a final emotional goodbye to Jo and the despair I had was replaced with a wave of deep sadness.”

He added that since his sister's death he, his partner Alla Ritch and her son, were trying to come to terms with the loss.

His comments followed a family statement and news the police were following up fresh leads that have come to light after speaking to witnesses who may have seen Miss Yeates before she disappeared in Bristol on December 17.

After the 25-year-old former Chandler’s Ford schoolgirl was reported missing two days later by her boyfriend Greg Reardon, 27, her brother helped in the search by putting up posters around Clifton appealing for information.

A couple walking their dogs in Longwood Lane, Failand, North Somerset - just three miles from Miss Yeates's flat - found her snow-covered body on Christmas morning. She had been strangled.

In an earlier statement yesterday parents David, 63, and Theresa, 58, who live in Ampfield, near Romsey, spoke of the daily trauma they have been forced to endure since their daughter was snatched and dumped in a country lane “like a piece of garbage”.

Police have said there was no evidence Miss Yeates had been sexually assaulted but they have not ruled out a sexual motive.

Officers are investigating whether she could have been strangled with her own ski sock, which her killer might then have kept as a trophy.

A book of condolence has been opened in her memory at her local church.

Rev Wayne Massey, associate vicar of Christ Church Clifton, said: “It is our hope that in some small measure it allows the people of Clifton and wider afield to record their messages of love and support and care for Jo's family and friends at this time.”

The Sun newspaper has put up a £50,000 reward to help find the killer and an appeal for information was also made to Bristol City FC fans.

Players donned T-shirts and messages were relayed over the public address system to supporters ahead of the club's FA Cup third round clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

Club chairman Steve Landsdown said: “When something like this happens in the heart of the community it's important everyone pulls together to help.”

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