The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Family pledge as hunt continues for teen girl
The family of missing 19-year-old Gaia Pope have vowed to find their “darling girl”.
Releasing a statement through Dorset Police, the teenager’s loved ones said: “The thought of seeing the sunshine of your smile again soon keeps us all going and hoping.”
Ms Pope, from Langton Matravers, was staying at an address in Swanage when she went missing on the afternoon of November 7. A 19-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of her murder.
In a statement, the family added: “We want to express our deepest gratitude to the police, other emergency services and the huge numbers of volunteers and well-wishers. The massive effort to find Gaia has been a great comfort in what everyone will understand is a deeply worrying and scary experience for all who love Gaia so deeply.
“We understand that the police continue to investigate all possible scenarios, and we want to emphasise that the search for Gaia continues.
“To Gaia. 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.”
A 71-year-old woman arrested in connection with the disappearance was released on bail on Tuesday.
Investigators have said that both the man and the woman are known to Ms Pope.
Ms Pope was caught on CCTV running on the afternoon of her disappearance and was believed to be wearing a red checked shirt, grey and white woven leggings and white trainers.