POLICE: BODY IS MISSING GAIA, 19
Huge search called off in wake of grim discovery
POLICE last night said they were “confident” the body of missing teen Gaia Pope has been found.
The discovery was made around 3pm yesterday by specialist search teams near where items of her clothing were found on Thursday.
Detective Supt Paul Kessell from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team said: “Although the body has yet to be formally identified, we are confident we have found Gaia.
“Her family have been informed and are being supported by speciallytrained officers. Our thoughts remain with all of her family and friends at this very traumatic time.
“They have requested privacy and that we make no further media releases at this point.
“The coroner has been notified and further forensic examination will continue.
“This will guide the investigation in respect of the circumstances of the death which at this time remains unexplained. I would like to thank the community for their support and understanding while this largescale investigation continues and their efforts in looking for Gaia. We have received a huge amount of support from the public who have contacted us with possible sightings of Gaia and items of found clothing.
“I can confirm that we have recovered all the clothing we believe Gaia was wearing when she disappeared and, with thanks, we no longer require the public to assist with searches.”
Police said two men aged 19 and 49, and a 71-year-old woman – all from Swanage and known to Gaia – were arrested on suspicion of murder earlier in the week. All three were later released.
The search for Gaia had involved over 50 people including police officers, coastguard workers, the fire brigade as well as search and rescue teams and members of the community surrounding Swanage in Dorset.
Conservative MP Richard Drax said Gaia’s family had been “very grateful” and “very touched” by the efforts made to find her.
Gaia disappeared on November 7. She was reported to have been in a “distressed state” at a house in the seaside town.