A 71-year-old woman arrested in connection with a missing teenager who has not been seen for a week has been released on bail, Dorset police have said.
The woman and a 19-year-old man believed to be her grandson were arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday afternoon in connection with the disappearance of Gaia Pope.
The teenager, 19, from Langton Matravers, was staying at an address in Swanage when she went missing on the afternoon of November 7.
Police outside a property in Manor Gardens in Swanage (Andrew Matthews/PA)
She was last seen at an address in Manor Gardens on Morrison Road in the town at around 4pm on that date.
The female suspect was released on bail “under investigation” on Tuesday morning, while the male remains in custody and is said to be assisting police with inquiries.
Investigators have said that both the man and the woman are known to Gaia.
Dorset police said in a statement: “Search warrants took place at two addresses in Swanage late yesterday afternoon, 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.
“The 71-year-old woman has now been released under investigation. The 19-year-old man remains assisting police with inquiries.”
Gaia was caught on CCTV running on the afternoon of her disappearance and was believed to be wearing a red checked shirt with white buttons, grey and white woven leggings and white trainers.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Devoto, who is leading the investigation, said previously: “It has been almost a week since Gaia’s last confirmed sighting and she has not been seen or heard from since.
“We have looked through CCTV that covers the Swanage area, including transport hubs, and there is nothing to suggest she has left the area.
“Her disappearance is completely out of character and, following our extensive inquiries, we sadly now believe that she may have come to harm.
“We have not yet found Gaia and our searches will continue.”
He urged anyone with information about the missing teen to contact Dorset Police.