"Good morning ladies and gentleman. In the early hours of this morning, police search teams recovered from Soham Village College items of major interest to our inquiry to trace the missing 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

"These items have been preserved at the scene and will be subject to a comprehensive forensic examination, a process which is likely to take some considerable period of time.

"Meanwhile, the search of the entire site of the college continues.

"In the last few hours, a 28-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been arrested.

"The 28-year-old man has been arrested for the murder and abduction of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. The 25-year-old woman has been arrested for the murder of both girls.

"They have been taken to separate police stations in Cambridgeshire, where they will be interviewed.

"Jessica and Holly's parents have been made aware of these developments. As I speak, neither Jessica nor Holly have been found.

"Given that two people are in custody and under arrest it is entirely inappropriate that I make any further comment at this time.

"Thank you."