Family of Bethany Edwards, 24, left devastated with 'no explanation' after beautiful daughter found dead in nature park

THE devastated family of a 24-year-old found dead in a National Trust nature reserve say they've had "no explanation" of what happened to her.

Bethany Edwards' parents wept as they paid an early-morning visit to the secluded countryside beauty spot where her body was found on Friday.

Cliff and Linda Edwards' daughter disappeared around a fortnight ago.

Police in Bedfordshire called for help to find her on Friday – but just hours later, Bethany's body was found.

Now the couple, of Stewartby, Bedfordshire, have spoken of their heartbreak at the loss of a woman whose "smile could light up a room".

Father-of-four Mr Edwards said: “We can’t take it in yet.

"I went up to the place where her body was found last night with the police.

“But I took Linda for the first time this morning.

"She is just in pieces now and can’t talk.

"Both of us are absolutely devastated.”

Blonde Bethany – known as 'Bets' – vanished from home earlier this month.

Her body was discovered just hours later 12 miles away at the Sharpenhoe Clappers nature reserve in Bedfordshire.

And Mr Edwards said they have no information about what led to her death.

"We have no explanation," he said.

"We are too upset to go into it."

Family four miles away in Marston Moretaine told The Sun: “We have nothing to add.

"Obviously we are very upset.”

I wish she knew how loved she was

But big sister Rebecca posted on Facebook: “Bethany is at peace now and we are so heartbroken.

"I wish she knew how loved she was.

“I appreciate all the messages but I don’t have the strength to reply to them all individually.

"Please keep my family in your prayers.”

Cops have said little about Bethany's death, and it's not yet known if they're treating it as suspicious.

However, officials from Bedfordshire Police said: "We have confirmed a body was found on Friday, March 19 in Sharpenhoe Nature Reserve.

"Bethany Edwards, 24, was reported missing and officers were trying to locate her.

"A formal identification has yet to take place, but Miss Edwards’ family have been informed."