Missing Doctor: Family 'Overwhelmed By Support'

The family of missing doctor Rose Polge say they have been "overwhelmed" by the support of her friends and colleagues, as the search for the 25-year-old continues.

Police divers are among those trying to find Dr Polge, who works at Torbay Hospital in Torquay.

She was last seen on Friday, 12 February. Her car was found in a car park near Anstey's Cove, near Torquay at 6pm that day.

Her family said in a statement released by police: "We would like to thank everyone for their help, hope and kind words.

"The support we have received from family and friends has been much appreciated, and clearly Rose is loved far and wide.

"We are overwhelmed by the support from her friends and colleagues, dozens of whom have been combing the Devon Coast in search of Rose.

"As the search continues we would appreciate some privacy from the press in our time of distress."

The doctor is understood to have left a message for a loved one that is believed to have mentioned Jeremy Hunt.

The note is not believed to have been addressed to the Health Secretary directly.

Devon and Cornwall Police, which is investigating the disappearance, will not confirm or deny this.

It is understood that a hoodie found on the beach on Sunday night has been identified as belonging to Dr Polge.

Police officers, the coastguard, RNLI and Dartmoor search and rescue are also involved in the hunt for the 25-year-old.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Due to the volume of information we are receiving from the public, a new dedicated log has been set up solely for public information on the missing person Rose Polge.

"If you have seen Rose or have any information that could help police with their inquiries, please call 101 quoting log 704 for the 15th February."

Dr Polge is described as 5ft 2ins tall with brown eyes and long black hair either worn down or in a pony tail.

Police have previously said they were "extremely concerned" for her welfare.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts are with Dr Polge's family and friends at an extremely difficult time."