POLICE PLEA FOR NEWS OF MISSING BROOKE
anna.lewis@walesonline.co.uk
THE disappearance of a 22-year-old rugby player is “completely out of character” and her family are “devastated”, police have said.
Brooke Morris, 22, was last seen at around 2.30am on Saturday, after being given a lift home from a night out in Merthyr Tydfil.
South Wales Police Superintendent Ceri Hughes said Ms Morris’ family have been left “devastated” by her disappearance.
“Brooke’s family are devastated, are extremely distressed. Her disappearance and to have no contact with her family for this period of time are completely out of character, and as the days go on their concerns, and of course ours, are increasing. We are desperate to hear of any information that can lead to finding her,” she said.
Police believe Ms Morris did not enter her home in Bontnewydd Terrace, Trelewis, on Saturday after she was dropped off by friends in the early hours.
Using CCTV and descriptions from witnesses, they now believe Ms Morris, who plays for Nelson RFC, was last seen heading towards a bridge that leads to Treharris.
Superintendent Hughes said: “We know Brooke was dropped near to her home address by friends, which is in Bontnewydd Terrace in Trelewis. We don’t believe Brooke went inside her home. We believe Brooke instead went down a lane which leads to a bridge that goes over the river and towards Treharris.”
Yesterday more than 100 volunteers gathered to continue the search for Ms Morris and focused around the waterways and undergrowth near her home.
The superintendent said a number of Ms Morris’ friends have been helping with inquiries, including those who drove her home.
It is not believed that anyone else is involved in her disappearance. Superintendent Hughes said: “We have no specific information to suggest anyone was involved in Brooke’s disappearance; however, because we don’t know what’s happened to her it’s important we keep an open mind.”
She added: “At this time we are keeping an open mind as to where Brooke might be and what has happened, but because of the last sighting of her at that time and the proximity of the river to her home address, we have undertaken searches of the entire area including some dense undergrowth and the river area.”
On Sunday, both Western and Central Brecon Mountain Rescue teams said they were called to help police search “high-priority areas” in Treharris.
Superintendent Hughes said: “There are a number of challenges with the terrain, with dense undergrowth and some fast-flowing waterways in that area together with railway tracks. Whilst we are extra-grateful to the local community for the help they have given, and of course want to be involved in the search effort, it is really important we continue to work together to make sure people are safe.”
In a statement shared online, Treharris councillor Sherelle Jago thanked the community for their effort in the search, which is being co-ordinated from Treharris Phoenix RFC.
She said: “Obviously our initial thoughts go out to Brooke’s family and friends at this anxious time, whilst the searches continue with the aim of bringing Brooke home safe and sound, the whole community are also doing everything they can to help.
“Food and drinks have been flooding into Treharris RFC from local businesses and residents to keep the search parties going.
“The volunteers in the kitchen have been amazing looking after everyone. Also loads of volunteers have been out putting up ‘missing’ posters.”
Ms Morris is described as being 5ft 3in, of slight build and with long dark hair. She was last seen wearing boyfriendstyle jeans and a red long-sleeve top.
■ Anyone with information about Ms Morris’ disappearance is urged to call police on 101 immediately.