This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42041390
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Body found in missing Gaia Pope search | Body found in missing Gaia Pope search |
(35 minutes later) | |
A body has been found in the hunt for missing teenager Gaia Pope. | |
Dorset Police said they are "confident" the remains on land near Swanage are that of the 19-year-old, who has been missing for 11 days. | |
Officers made the discovery at 15:00 GMT near a coastal path and field where items of her clothing were found on Thursday. | |
Three people have previously been arrested on suspicion of murder and released while inquiries continue. | Three people have previously been arrested on suspicion of murder and released while inquiries continue. |
'Traumatic' | |
Det Supt Paul Kessell said: "Although the body has yet to be formally identified, we are confident that we have found Gaia. | |
"Her family has been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. Our thoughts remain with all of her family and friends at this very traumatic time. | |
"They have requested privacy and that we make no further media releases at this point." | |
Extensive searches have taken place to locate the teenager, who was last seen in Morrison Road on 7 November. | |
Since she disappeared hundreds of missing person posters have been distributed across the county and volunteers have helped scour the town. | |
Earlier, Miss Pope's father, Richard Sutherland, told search teams their efforts were "heart-warming". | |
Detectives have detained 71-year-old Rosemary Dinch, her 49-year-old son Paul Elsey, and her 19-year-old nephew, Nathan Elsey - all of whom were known to Miss Pope. | |
Police thanked the public for their help and said they no longer required their assistance. | |
A post-mortem examination is due to take place. |