Christopher Halliwell: Police digging for bodies at former Swindon home of double murderer

'This intelligence-led activity is part of an ongoing investigation', says a Wiltshire Police spokeswoman

Christopher Halliwell is in prison serving a life-long sentence (PA)

A suspected serial killer's former home is being dug up by police searching for more victims.

Christopher Halliwell is already serving a whole-life sentence - meaning he will never be released - for the 2003 murder of 20-year-old Becky Godden.

The 53-year-old former taxi driver had already been convicted of murdering Sian O’Callaghan, 22, in 2011.

After he was convicted of Miss Godden's murder last year, Detective Superintendent Sean Memory said: "He talked candidly in 1985 about wanting to be a serial killer and I genuinely believe that's a distinct possibility."

Now officers from Wiltshire Police have begun excavation work across gardens and garages at two properties in Broad Street in Swindon, where Halliwell lived.

A force spokeswoman said: “Work at the addresses in Broad Street is expected to last five days. This intelligence-led activity is part of an ongoing investigation.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Carter, who is leading the investigation, said: “Whilst we do not have plans, at this stage, to search inside the properties there will be some disruption to the occupants.

"I would like to make it clear that those living at the addresses have no involvement in the investigation and we thank them for their understanding and patience."

Halliwell abducted office administrator Ms O'Callaghan as she walked home following a night-out in Swindon and dumped her body in Uffington, Oxfordshire.

He then confessed to killing Ms Gooden, who was working as a prostitute when he picked her up in Swindon, before strangling her in January 2003.

The father-of-three led police to a field in Eastleach, Gloucestershire, where Ms Godden's remains were discovered.

Last year, it emerged that Halliwell had spoken of his desire to become a serial killer in 1985.

In a phone call from prison, he allegedly claimed that officers wished to interview him about eight murders.