British teenager Becky Watts (16), who was found dead in March after a huge police search operation, was suffocated, Avon and Somerset Police have revealed.

The statement came as hundreds of people, including friends and family, gathered for her funeral at St Ambrose Church in the Whitehall district of Bristol.

Her body parts were discovered at a house in the Barton Hill area of the city on March 2nd, 11 days after she went missing from her home in Crown Hill.

Their statement came as tributes were paid at the funeral to the teenager who "touched the hearts of the nation".

Mourners, some wearing T-shirts featuring a photograph of Becky, threw pink roses as the horse-drawn carriage carrying her coffin arrived.

At Friday's service, Reverend David James read a tribute to the "shy" girl from Becky's father, Darren Galsworthy.

"Secondary school was when our family went through very dark times. Becky was bullied about her weight and consequently we almost lost her to anorexia."

"But with a lot of care from us and hospital education we were able to get our Becky back. He said Becky's death had "left a huge void in our lives and touched the hearts of the nation".

"We all loved you so much and as you look down from heaven just look at what your short life has achieved - not bad for a shy girl. You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts, rest in peace angel of Bristol."

"Thank you to all the people of Bristol and all the fundraisers and all the support we have received from the entire country."

The family said the aim of Becky's funeral was to be "a celebration" of her life and many mourners wore bright clothes or something in "baby blue", the teenager's favourite colour.

Becky's stepbrother Nathan Matthews (28) is charged with her murder and his girlfriend Shauna Hoare (21) charged with perverting the course of justice.

Four other people are accused of helping dispose of and conceal Becky's body parts. A plea hearing has been set for August 4th and a provisional trial date for October 5th.