Amanda's body found in packaging

Ms Edwards' body was found last Friday

The body of nursery assistant Amanda Edwards was found wrapped in packaging, detectives have revealed.

The 21-year-old's body was discovered on a building site in Wiltshire on Friday, eight days after she vanished.

It has also emerged that the man found hanged after being questioned about her kidnap, had convictions for rape.

Police have defended their decision to release Ian Cortis, 48, without charge after holding him for several days.

Ms Edwards' family, with whom she lived in Purton, near Swindon, have visited the building site at The Knoll, Malmesbury, at their own request.

Police revealed that Ms Edwards' handbag and other personal items were found alongside her, contained in a separate buried package.

Last Friday, the man named locally as Ian Cortis, was found hanged at his home.

The BBC has learnt that Mr Cortis had previously been convicted of raping two women.

Ms Edwards' parents are said to be "devastated"

And that Mr Cortis and Ms Edwards had worked together for a time at Buds nightclub in Chippenham.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett has defended the decision to release Mr Cortis.

"The decision to release the man held in custody was not taken lightly and was taken after review of all the evidence in our possession at that time and after discussion with the Crown Prosecution Service.

"At that time, there was not sufficient evidence to allow any hope of obtaining successful prosecution in relation to any criminal charge concerning Amanda's disappearance."

Mr Cortis's death has been referred by the force to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A post-mortem examination of Ms Edwards' body has proved inconclusive, revealing only that the death was not natural.

Further forensic tests are still to be done.

An inquest into Ms Edwards' death is due to be opened at 1000 BST on Thursday at Trowbridge Town Hall.