Gaia Pope: Sister says teenager was 'light of my life'

Gaia Pope went missing in Swanage on 7 November

The sister of Gaia Pope, whose body was found on Saturday, has described her as the "absolute light of my life".

Clara Pope-Sutherland said the 19-year-old was "intelligent, beautiful and emotionally wise".

The teenager had not been seen for 11 days before her remains were found in a field near Swanage, close to where some of her clothing was found on Thursday.

Dorset Police said it was "confident" it was her and a post-mortem examination is due to take place.

Det Supt Paul Kessell said: "This will guide the investigation in respect of the circumstances of the death, which at this time remains unexplained."

The site where police searching for Gaia Pope found a body on Saturday afternoon

Flowers have been laid in Swanage following the discovery of Miss Pope's body

Miss Pope's cousin, Marienna Pope-Weidemann, said: "We are absolutely devastated and unable to put those feelings of loss into words.

"Our little bird has flown, but she will always be with us."

The teenager's body was discovered by police at about 15:00 GMT, as local people took part in three mass searches of land around the town.

Addressing volunteers Miss Pope's sister said: "Every minute of your hard work has been absolutely worth it."

'Community spirit'

She added said the "dedication and selflessness" of local people was one of the few things which kept the family going during the search.

"If there is one ray of light in this nightmare it is the compassion, humanity and community spirit which you have shown."

Det Supt Kessell thanked the public for their help and said no further assistance was needed with the searches.

Land close to where the items of clothing were found was searched

During the investigation, three people were arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.

They were 71-year-old Rosemary Dinch; her 49-year-old son Paul Elsey; and her 19-year-old grandson Nathan Elsey - all of whom were known to Miss Pope.

Many members of the public have shared their condolences with Miss Pope's family on the Find Gaia Facebook group.

Amy Howes wrote "our village is mourning a terrible loss this morning, such sad news".

Sonia Card said: "Such sad news. Didn't know Gaia or her family. But spent time searching in the hope we would find her. So sorry we didn't."

A church service is being held at 18:30 GMT at St Mary's Church in Swanage.

Team rector, the Very Reverend John Mann, said: "It is good to have an opportunity for people to come together from right across the town.

"At times like this people don't know what to say, they don't know what to do, and they need a focus of attention."

In a post on Twitter, The Bishop of Sherborne, Karen Gorham, said prayers would be said across Dorset for Miss Pope's family and friends.

The search for Gaia Pope

7 November: Miss Pope is driven by a family member from Langton Matravers to Swanage. At 14:55, she is seen on CCTV at St Michael's Garage buying ice cream. The last confirmed sighting is at 16:00 at an address in Manor Gardens on Morrison Road

8 November: Her family makes a plea through police for her to make contact. Dorset Police says it is "becoming increasingly concerned"

9 November: Searches by police, the coastguard and force helicopter are carried out in the Swanage area. Miss Pope's relatives release a statement saying they are "frantic with worry"

10 November: CCTV footage shows Miss Pope on Morrison Road, Manor Gardens, at 15:39 on 7 November

13 November: Rosemary Dinch and Nathan Elsey are arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation

14 November: Searches continue with the coastguard and volunteers from Dorset Search and Rescue and Wessex 4x4

15 November: CCTV images of Miss Pope at St Michael's Garage are released. Searches continue to concentrate inland

16 November: Paul Elsey is arrested on suspicion of murder. Miss Pope's clothing is discovered in a field near Swanage and a police cordon is set up

17 November: Mr Elsey is released under investigation

18 November: Police discover a body near the coast path and a field close to where her clothing was found