No celebrations in US as family 'respects' Kerchers

Amanda Knox's parents asked neighbours in Seattle not to publicly celebrate their daughter's homecoming out of respect for Meredith Kercher's family.

Knox, 24, was taken to a secret location after returning to the US last night. She made a short speech at the airport thanking supporters.

Her freedom was marked by a small "welcome home" banner and a cake baked by her grandmother, but there was no party or triumphant flag-waving.

Knox wept at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as she said: "I'm really overwhelmed right now. I was looking down from the airplane, and it seemed like everything wasn't real."

After her parents offered their thanks to Knox's lawyers and supporters, Knox spoke briefly, saying, "they're reminding me to speak in English, because I'm having problems with that".

"Thank you to everyone who's believed in me, who's defended me, who's supported my family.

"My family's the most important thing to me so I just want to go and be with them, so, thank you for being there for me."

Knox is now considering multi-million-dollar offers from US television networks battling to secure rights to the first full interview with her.

Her father Curt Knox said his daughter would like to return to the University of Washington at some point to finish her degree but the family's immediate concern was her psychological well-being.

He said: "She's a very strong girl, but it's been a tough time for her."