CCTV shows girl buying ice cream an hour before she disappears
Mother of 19-year-old Gaia Pope makes Facebook plea over fears she may be being held against her will
MISSING Gaia Pope may have been kidnapped and “held against her will” in the back of a van, her mother fears, as new photos of her last movements are released.
Police have released CCTV images of the teenager buying an ice cream, taken less than an hour before she disappeared a week ago.
The 19-year-old was staying at an address in Swanage, Dorset, when she disappeared on the afternoon of Nov 7.
Her mother, Natasha, made a desperate plea on Facebook: “Backs of vans, in garages, somewhere she could be hidden against her will. Keep looking, be bold with respect. Thank you.” Her family have vowed to find their “darling girl” and said the thought of seeing her smile was keeping them going.
The last confirmed sighting of Miss Pope was at an address in Morrison Road, Swanage, at about 4pm.
Forensic investigations are continuing at two properties in Manor Gardens, believed to be the homes of her friend Nathan Elsey, 19, and his grandmother Rosemary Dinch, 71.
They were released under investigation on Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of murder by police the previous day. Mr Elsey, who is studying drama, had a part as an extra in the Second World War film Dunkirk.
Mrs Dinch said Miss Pope had visited her house in an agitated state around the time she disappeared.
Less than an hour before her last confirmed sighting at 3.39pm, she was being driven between Langton Matravers and Swanage by a family member when they stopped off for fuel at St Michael’s Garage on Valley Road in Swanage. Dorset Police have released two CCTV images of the 19-year-old inside the garage buying an ice cream at around 2.55pm. Det Ch Insp Neil Devoto, who is leading the investigation, said: “We believe Gaia was wearing the same grey and white woven leggings and white trainers, but was last seen in a red checked shirt with white buttons.
“When she disappeared she was not wearing the black jacket pictured, which was recovered at an address in Manor Gardens.
“Our search efforts are continuing and I would again appeal to the public that if they have any information, however small, that could lead us to finding Gaia, please get in touch.”