BECKY Godden-Edwards’ mum has described the moment an arrest was made for her daughter’s murder as a ‘firework of emotions’.

Last Wednesday, a 51-year-old man was arrested and interviewed as part of the murder probe into Becky’s death, in early 2003.

Newly promoted cold-case specialist Superintendent Sean Memory picked up the investigation little over a year ago and the major crime team has been working tirelessly in digging up new information.

Police found Becky’s remains eight years after she was killed, buried at a remote field in Eastleach, Gloucestershire.

Since she was returned to her family, they have been striving for justice and for the truth about the 21-year-old’s murder.

“We have had four years in purgatory but we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said mum, Karen, returning to Swindon on hearing the news.

“It is a very strange feeling at the moment. It has been a total bolt from the blue.

“We hope and pray we will see justice, and we are waiting with baited breath.

“Every day we live in hope, and the day I found out that a man had been arrested, it was almost like a firework of emotions.

“When I first found out I cried, but they were tears of relief. I am still feeling jittery inside and I don’t think that feeling will settle until we have a conclusion.

“I will not believe a conviction until I see it.”

Karen has echoed the strong warning given by police that any attempt to guess the identity of the arrested man could destroy years of meticulous work.

“At this stage we do not want anything whatsoever to jeopardise what could be the outcome we have been waiting for,” she said.

“I am so worried that something might go wrong, which is why I need people not to speculate in any shape or form so the police can do their work.

“In the last year Sean Memory and his team have worked incredibly hard and the smallest thing could undo it all. They have to be absolutely watertight.

“I would still like to thank everybody for their amazing support and wonderful messages.

“I have had more than 300 messages since the news broke and I would love to thank everyone individually.

“It has been an amazing journey, but not one I would have chosen.

“I am now certain there are more good people out there than bad.

“Becky was a Swindon girl and Swindon people have come good for her.”

Last week Supt Memory said: “We can confirm that a 51-year-old man from Swindon was arrested on suspicion of the murder of Becky Godden, also known as Rebecca Godden Edwards.

“He has been interviewed and inquiries continue.

“It is in the interests of justice for Becky that you do not speculate on the identity of the arrested man as to do so could seriously jeopardise the judicial process.”