Gaia Pope: Mother of missing Dorset woman urges people to search their outbuildings

'Backs of vans, in garages, somewhere she could be hidden, against her will. In a house......keep looking, be bold with respect. Thank you. Keep senses sharp. HELP US BRING HER BACK!'

Gaia Pope, a 19-year-old from Swanage in Dorset, was reported missing from her home in November 2017 and her body was discovered almost two weeks later in undergrowth

New CCTV images of a teenager taken less than an hour before she disappeared a week ago have been released by police.

Gaia Pope was staying at an address in Swanage, Dorset when she disappeared on the afternoon of November 7.

Less than an hour before her last confirmed sighting at 3.39pm, she was being driven between Langton Matravers and Swanage by a family member when they stopped off for fuel at St Michael's Garage on Valley Road in Swanage.

Dorset Police have released two CCTV images of the 19-year-old inside the garage buying an ice cream at around 2.55pm.

The last confirmed sighting of Gaia was at an address in Manor Gardens on Morrison Road in Swanage at about 4pm.

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.

They were released under investigation on Tuesday after being arrested on suspicion of murder by police the previous day.

Gaia Pope pictured at St Michael's Garage less an hour before she disappeared (Dorset Police/PA Wire)

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Devoto, who is leading the investigation, said: "We believe Gaia was wearing the same grey and white woven leggings and white trainers, but was last seen in a red checked shirt with white buttons.

"When she disappeared she was not wearing the black jacket pictured, which was recovered at an address in Manor Gardens.

"Our search efforts are continuing and I would again appeal to the public that if they have any information, however small, that could lead us to finding Gaia, please get in touch.

Police put up a missing person notice for Gaia Pope in Swanage on Tuesday, November 14 (PA)

"Finally, I would like to offer my thoughts to Gaia's family and friends in what is an incredibly difficult time for them.

"It has been over a week since she went missing and we are doing all we can in order to find her."

The search to find the teenager has continued with search teams focusing all their efforts inland in Swanage and the surrounding area, supported by Dorset search and rescue and specialist units from neighbouring police forces.

On Tuesday Gaia's family vowed to find their "darling girl" and said the thought of seeing her smile was keeping them all "going and hoping".

Gaia Pope pictured at St Michael's Garage less an hour before she disappeared (Dorset Police/PA Wire)

Her mother Natasha appealed on Facebook for the public's help to find her.

She wrote: "Backs of vans, in garages, somewhere she could be hidden, against her will. In a house......keep looking, be bold with respect. Thank you. Keep senses sharp. HELP US BRING HER BACK,! Can't bear it..."

Ms Pope also thanked people who have been organising searches for her daughter in the Wimborne area.

"Deepest gratitude and thanks. Desperation accumulative. Keep our heads and never give up," she wrote.

"We all need Gaia back so she can follow through on her life plan. Her talents are cross the board. Society stands to gain massively by getting her back.

"Gaia is dynamic fun, exceptionally intelligent compassionate and loving. Gaia is special indeed, so we best crack on discover the truth of things so we may bring her home very soon."

PA