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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.A body has been found in the hunt for missing teenager Gaia Pope.
Dorset Police said they were "confident" that the remains on land near Swanage were those of the 19-year-old, who has been missing for 11 days.Dorset Police said they were "confident" that the remains on land near Swanage were those 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. Officers made the discovery at 15:00 GMT on Saturday near a coastal path and field where items of her clothing were found on Thursday.
In a statement, Gaia's sister described her as the "light of my life, so beautiful and so creative". In a statement Gaia's sister, Clara Pope, described her as the "light of my life".
Clara Pope and Gaia's cousin, Marienna Pope-Weidemann, thanked people who had joined in the search. Ms Pope told ITV News that her sister was "so beautiful, so emotionally wise and intelligent and so passionate and artistic and creative and understanding".
Ms Pope-Weidemann said: "We are absolutely devastated and unable to put those feelings of loss into words. Addressing those people who had searched for Gaia, she added: "I just want to tell everybody that every minute of your hard work has been absolutely worth it."
'Bird has flown'
Gaia's cousin, Marienna Pope-Weidemann, said: "We are absolutely devastated and unable to put those feelings of loss into words.
"Our little bird has flown, but she will always be with us.""Our little bird has flown, but she will always be with us."
Three people have previously been arrested on suspicion of murder and released while inquiries continue. Ms Pope-Weidemann added: "We want to thank each and every one of you for everything you've done.
"If there is one ray of light in this nightmare it is the compassion, humanity and community spirit that you've shown over the last 10 days.
Three arrested
"Your dedication and selflessness for a girl that many of you don't even know has been staggering and one of the few things that kept us going."
Three people have previously been arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.
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.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.
'Traumatic'
Det Supt Paul Kessell, of Dorset Police, said: "Although the body has yet to be formally identified, we are confident that we have found Gaia.Det Supt Paul Kessell, of Dorset Police, said: "Although the body has yet to be formally identified, we are confident that we have found Gaia.
'Privacy requested'
"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."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.""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. Extensive searches took place to locate the teenager, who was last seen at about 16:00 GMT on 7 November in Manor Gardens, Swanage.
Since she disappeared hundreds of missing person posters have been distributed across the county and volunteers have helped to scour the town. An hour earlier she had been captured on CCTV buying an ice cream inside St Michael's Garage, having been driven there by a relative.
Hundreds of missing person posters were distributed across the county and volunteers helped to scour the town.
Earlier Miss Pope's father, Richard Sutherland, told search teams their efforts were "heart-warming".Earlier Miss Pope's father, Richard Sutherland, told search teams their efforts were "heart-warming".
Police thanked the public for their help and said they no longer required their assistance. Forensic tests
A post-mortem examination is due to take place. Det Supt Kessell, of Dorset Police's major crime investigation team, said the Dorset coroner had been informed and a post-mortem examination would take place.
He said that forensic examinations would continue.
"This will guide the investigation in respect of the circumstances of the death which at this time remains unexplained," he said.
He added: "I can confirm that we have recovered all the clothing we believe Gaia was wearing when she disappeared and, with thanks, we no longer require the public to assist with searches."