Rose Polge: Search for missing doctor scaled back

The search for missing junior doctor Rose Polge has been scaled back, almost a week after she disappeared.

The 25-year-old junior doctor's car was found on Friday 12 February at Ansteys Cove near Torquay, the town where she worked.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said there was "no structured search going on".

However, they said police would continue to perform "intermittent shore line searches".

Rose Polge's car was found in a car park near Ansteys Cove in Torbay

The BBC understands that a note was found in Dr Polge's car.

It is believed its contents were mainly related to personal issues, but there was a passing reference to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

On Thursday, Mr Hunt confirmed the government would impose a new contract on junior doctors in England.

It is understood Dr Polge had been an active campaigner against plans to change working hours and conditions for junior doctors, and in January posted a new Facebook profile picture, featuring the hashtag #NotFairNotSafe.

Police said her disappearance was "totally out of character" and concerns for her welfare were rising.

Timeline of events

Friday 12 February - Rose Polge's car is found in a car park near Ansteys Cove in Torbay

Saturday 13 February - The family and boyfriend of Dr Polge join more than 100 people searching the area around Ansteys Cove

Sunday 14 February - Torbay Hospital confirmed that Rose Polge works there as a junior doctor. "We will do whatever we can to support the authorities," a statement said.

Monday 15 February - Colin Smith, from Royston Hockey Club where Dr Polge used to play, said: "We just don't know what we can do."

Tuesday 16 February - Dr Polge's family release a statement saying they are "overwhelmed" by the support from her friends and colleagues

More than 100 people have been involved in the search operation, including Dr Polge's boyfriend and her family.

A district councillor for the village of Melbourn, Cambridgeshire, where Dr Polge's parents live, said he had no doubt the community would "rally round".

Councillor Jose Hales said: "My heart goes out to the family at this terrible time. The pain and worry they must be feeling is unimaginable."

Police are appealing for the public to contact them with any information or sightings of Dr Polge.