The family of a missing teenager say they are “desperate” for her safe return.

Gaia Pope, 19, of Langton Matravers, was last seen at an address in Swanage - where she had been staying - at around 3.45pm on Tuesday.

She has severe epilepsy, which causes her to suffer seizures, and it is not known if she has her medication with her.

She also does not have her phone with her.

Gaia’s sister Clara Pope-Sutherland, 21, said: “We just want her to come home.

“She’s a home bird. She would never do anything like this.

“She’s just not the kind of person to go off like this - she’d always let us know what was happening.

“That’s the most concerning thing of all.

“We’re so worried and we just want to know she’s safe.”

Clara says Gaia has also not used her Facebook account since going missing.

“I’ve been into her account to look for clues, but there’s nothing,” she said.

“It’s so unlike her, she’s never done this.”

Detectives searching for Gaia say they are “very concerned” for her welfare.

A number of searches were carried out in the area on Tuesday night and throughout today.

Coastguard officers and the NPAS helicopter are involved.

Other members of Gaia’s family have also pleaded with her to come home.

In a statement released through Dorset Police, they said: “We are all frantic with worry Gaia, and are desperate to know you are ok.

“You are not in any trouble and we just want to know you are somewhere safe.

“Please get in touch with someone to let us know where you are so we can help you.”

Gaia is described as white, five feet seven inches tall, of medium build and with long, mousey blonde hair. She recently had red lowlights and lighter blonde highlights added to her hair.

She was said to be wearing a red checked shirt with white buttons, grey and white woven leggings and white trainers.

Chief Inspector Steve White, of Dorset Police, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Gaia and are making every effort to try and locate her.

“I would ask anyone who sees a woman matching her description, or who has any information as to where Gaia might be, to contact police immediately.

“I would also reiterate the appeal from Gaia’s family. Please contact us or your family Gaia as we all want to ensure you are safe and well.”

Dorset Police have now renewed the appeal.

Inspector Andy Edwards, of Dorset Police, said: “We are doing everything possible to try and locate Gaia and our extensive search efforts are continuing.

“Our thoughts are with her family at what must be a very difficult time and we are doing everything we possibly can to support them.

“I would urge any members of the public who have information as to her where Gaia could be, or who see a woman matching the description given, to contact police immediately.

"We would also urge anyone who may have dashcam footage from their vehicles covering major routes in Swanage over the last 48 hours to review it to see if there are any sightings of someone matching Gaia’s description.

“Finally, I would appeal to Gaia directly, if she sees this appeal, to contact us or your family as we all want to ensure that you are safe and well.”

Anyone with information or knowledge as to Gaia’s whereabouts is asked to contact dorset.police.uk or call 101, quoting incident number 7:311.