Two Arrested in Hunt for Missing Swanage Teen Gaia Pope
Police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman as the search intensifies for missing Swanage teenager Gaia Pope. Gaia, 19, vanished from her home in Langton Matravers on the afternoon of Tuesday, 7 November 2017. Both suspects, known to Gaia, are now helping detectives with their inquiries.
Search Warrant Raids and Arrests
On Monday 13 November, officers executed search warrants at two Swanage addresses. The man and woman were detained on suspicion of murder. Senior Investigating Officer Neil Devoto from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team confirmed the ongoing probe, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Last Seen Wearing Red Checked Shirt
Gaia was last spotted around 4pm on 7 November at an address in Manor Gardens, Morrison Road. She was wearing a red checked shirt with white buttons, grey and white woven leggings, and white trainers. CCTV footage around Swanage and transport hubs shows no sign she has left the area.
“It has been almost a week since Gaia’s last confirmed sighting, with no contact since. Her disappearance is completely out of character,” said Det Insp Devoto. “Following extensive enquiries, we sadly believe she may have come to harm. Our searches will continue, and we urge anyone with information to get in touch.”
Community and Emergency Services Aid Search
Search efforts have been massive and continuous since Gaia’s disappearance. The operation includes coastguard teams, the NPAS helicopter unit, Dorset Search and Rescue, Wessex 4×4, and local volunteers. Police have also conducted vehicle stop checks and house-to-house inquiries in Swanage.
How to Help
If you have any information about Gaia’s disappearance, contact Dorset Police immediately:
- Visit: www.dorset.police.uk
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 101 (quote incident number 9:179)
- Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Gaia’s family have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers during this distressing time.
