Missing Gaia Pope may have been kidnapped and 'held against her will' in the back of a van, her mother fears

Missing Gaia Pope may have been kidnapped and “held against her will” in the back of a van, her mother fears, as new photos of her last movements are released.

Police have released new CCTV images of the teenager buying an ice-cream taken less than an hour before she disappeared a week ago.

The 19-year-old was staying at an address in Swanage, Dorset when she disappeared on the afternoon of November 7.

Her mother Natasha made a desperate plea on Facebook: "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."

Her family have vowed to find their "darling girl" and said the thought of seeing her smile was keeping them all "going and hoping".

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

Forensic investigations are continuing at two properties in Manor Gardens, which are believed to be the homes of her friend Nathan Elsey, 19, and his grandmother Rosemary Dinch, 71.

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

Mr Elsey, who is studying drama, had a part as an extra in the Second World War epic, Dunkirk.

Mrs Dinch said Miss Pope had visited her house in an agitated state around the time she disappeared.

Speaking to reporters, before her arrest, she described how Miss Pope had banged on her front door asking for help.

Mrs Dinch said: "She looked upset. Very upset. I am just so pleased because I gave her a cuddle and then she responded.

"Of course I want to find her and I have no idea where she is. She just seems to have disappeared."

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.

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.

"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."

Her mother has thanked the public for helping to search for her child.

"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."

Thousands of people have been involved in the search for Gaia, who suffers from severe epilepsy and has almost daily seizures, her family said