Man arrested over missing Gaia released

A 49-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of missing teenager Gaia Pope has been released under investigation, police said.

The man, who was named locally as Paul Elsey, was arrested on Thursday afternoon and quizzed about the disappearance of the 19-year-old.

He was the third person to be arrested in connection with the inquiry.

Dorset Police said clothing discovered on Thursday on open land north of Swanage appeared to be Miss Pope’s and matched what she was wearing when last seen.

Miss Pope’s father, Richard Sutherland, fears her epilepsy may have played a part in her disappearance as she had been warned by doctors she was at risk of sudden death from the condition. Mr Sutherland said: “It’s pretty serious.”

Miss Pope has not been seen since she vanished from the Swanage area of Dorset on November 7.

Forensic investigations are continuing at two properties in Manor Gardens, which are believed to be the homes of a 71-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man.