Film lad held for murder
Cops quiz student and gran over Gaia
A YOUNG actor who appeared in war movie Dunkirk was yesterday quizzed over the murder of Gaia Pope, missing 19-year-old daughter of a TV star.
A DRAMA student who appeared in the hit movie Dunkirk has been quizzed over the murder of a telly star’s missing daughter.
Nathan Elsey, 19, was arrested along with his gran Rosemary Dinch, 71, in connection with the disappearance of Gaia Pope, 19.
Both were detained on suspicion of murdering Gaia who has not been seen for a week.
They were later released under investigation.
Elsey was an extra in the war epic starring Harry Styles and directed by Christopher Nolan.
Gaia was last seen on CCTV sprinting along a street in Swanage, Dorset.
She had reportedly been due to attend a doctor’s appointment on the day she vanished but did not show.
Since then family and friends have been searching for the teenager, who suffers from epilepsy.
Gaia’s mum Natasha, who starred in Inspector Morse and The Bill, begged her daughter to get in touch. Last night the family vowed to find their “darling girl”. In a message to Gaia released via police, her relatives said: “We all love you forever.
“We miss you beyond words. We will find you darling girl.
“The thought of seeing the sunshine of your smile again soon keeps us all going and hoping.”
They said the search by police and hundreds of volunteers had been “great comfort” during what was a “deeply worrying and scary experience for all who love Gaia”.
The message continued: “We are aware of the arrests that have taken place but want to emphasise that these must not put a stop to the search until or unless there is a definite conclusion.
“We understand the police continue to investigate all possible scenarios. If anyone knows where Gaia is we beg you to let us know.” Gaia’s twin Maya described her as an “angel” on social media, adding: “She is at risk to herself and at risk of being harmed by OTHERS so please contact the police asap. We are working tirelessly to find her.’’
Neighbours said Gaia had recently been staying with her aunt Talia in Swanage a few streets from the home of Mrs Dinch and her grandson.
In a TV interview before her arrest, Mrs Dinch said Gaia – a friend of her grandson’s – had banged on her front door asking for help on the day she disappeared. She said: “She looked upset – very upset. I am just so pleased because I gave her a cuddle and then she responded. I have no idea where she is.” DCI Neil Devoto said: “Her disappearance is completely out of character and we sadly now believe that she may have come to harm.”