Swanage teenager still missing - CCTV images now released

Detectives are releasing CCTV images of Gaia Pope that were taken less than an hour before she disappeared.

Gaia, 19 and from Langton Matravers, was staying at an address in Swanage when she disappeared on the afternoon of Tuesday 7 November 2017.

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. Gaia went into the garage to buy an ice cream at around 2.55pm before leaving.

Senior Investigating Office Neil Devoto, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, 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.

“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 Gaia is continuing, 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.

Search warrants have been taking place at two addresses in Swanage since Monday 13 November 2017. Scenes are likely to remain in place for some time.

A 19-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman, both from the Swanage area, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They are both known to Gaia. Both individuals have been released under investigation.

Updated on 16.11.2017

A cordon is in place following the discovery of items of women’s clothing in a field near Swanage.