Police continue to dig for clues at home of serial killer Fred West's friends

Police are continuing to investigate the garden at the former home of a paedophile couple, who knew serial killers Fred and Rose West.

Excavations began on Tuesday 3 May in the rear garden of a bungalow in Bradnich, near Cullompton, following historic intelligence linked to the former occupants of the council-owned property, David and Pauline Williams. 

Investigations are continuing today and are expected to last until Friday 6 May at the earliest.

David Williams was jailed for life in 2015 and his wife Pauline for 12 years for putting 10 girls and boys through rape, sexual assault and beatings.

The couple became friends of the Wests in Gloucester in the 1980s.

Detective Superintendent Keith Perkin said: "These are ongoing investigations linked to historic intelligence at the bungalow.

"We have specialist search officers involved in the excavation and hope impact on the community is reduced as much as possible.

“In the meantime, we will have extra officers patrolling the area to help offer reassurance to the local community.”