The search for Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman came to a tragic end last night when detectives confirmed that two bodies found in remote fenland were those of the missing girls.

Police said that they were "as certain as we possibly can be" that the bodies discovered near the Lakenheath air base in Suffolk, on Saturday, were the ten-year-olds.

But Cambridgeshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable, Keith Hoddy, said it could be some days before they are formally identified.

Speaking at St Andrew's Church, in the Cambridgeshire town of Soham, from where the two girls disappeared on August 4, Mr Hoddy said the youngsters' parents had been told the sad news.

Two people, 28-year-old school caretaker Ian Huntley and his teaching assistant girlfriend, Maxine Carr, 25, were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of murdering the girls.

Mr Hoddy said last night it was "with great sadness" that he had to deliver the news and called for reflection in memory of Holly and Jessica, their families and friends.

The officer then led a moment's silence with his head bowed as police officers and onlookers from the town were visibly moved. After paying tribute to the huge numbers of police officers and other personnel involved in the hunt for the youngsters, he said: "We, like the families, refused to give up hope that the girls would be found alive and well.

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Holly's parents and brother, and Jessica's parents and sisters at this ghastly time."

Mr Hoddy added: "Now is a time for quiet contemplation. It is a time to respect the grief of Holly's and Jessica's families and I ask that you respect their need for privacy."

As Mr Hoddy broke the news that the town's worst fears had been confirmed, three young women standing in a huddle behind him began to sob. Karen Gillett, 30, said: "We were just wishing and hoping it wasn't going to be them. They were just two sweet innocent little girls."

The youngsters' parents issued statements last night thanking everyone involved in the hunt for their daughters.

Sharon and Leslie Chapman said: 'We would like to thank everybody for their kindness and support during this very tense and traumatic time, especially family, friends and the family liaison officers."

Nicola and Kevin Wells said: "Although still numb after losing our gorgeous daughter Holly, please accept our heartfelt thanks for everyone's help and support throughout this traumatic fortnight."

Earlier, police announced that the two bodies found at a nature reserve near the Lakenheath base were being taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

It followed a day of prayer in Soham where residents united in their grief and shock. St Andrew's was filled to capacity for a special service for Holly and Jessica.

About 500 people attended the service for all denominations in which the parish vicar, the Reverend Tim Alban Jones, talked of the "searing, heart-rending agony" and said the town had been "violated".

Speaking of the girls' parents, he said: "Kevin and Nicola, Leslie and Sharon have borne themselves with a bravery and dignity that has won them tremendous admiration and respect.

"We cannot even begin to imagine how harrowing this nightmare must be for them."

Huntley and Carr were still in custody last night after detectives were granted further time to question them.

Huntley was arrested on suspicion of murder and abduction while Carr is being detained on suspicion of murder.