THE devastated family of Gaia Pope paid an emotional tribute to her after a body was discovered in the hunt for the missing 19-year-old.

And police said last night a post-mortem had not identified any injuries to suggest any other person was involved in Gaia’s death.

Dorset Police announced on Saturday they were “confident” they had found Gaia, who had not been seen for 11 days, and said the death was being treated as “unexplained”.

The discovery was made at around 3pm by specialist search teams on land near Swanage – close to where some of her clothes were found on Thursday.

Dorset Echo:

Gaia Pope

Although the body has yet to be formally identified, officers are confident that it is Gaia.

Detective Superintendent Paul Kessell, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said last night: “The post-mortem examination has not identified any injuries to suggest any other person was involved in her death. The cause of death is undetermined pending toxicology.

"The coroner is involved in the oversight of these examinations but this remains an investigation into an unexplained death."

Two men aged 19 and 49 and a 71-year-old woman, all from Swanage and known to Gaia, were arrested on suspicion of murder last week and released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Today - Monday - officers said the three people had been released from police investigation without any further action.

The worst fears of a community were realised when police announced a body had been found.

Hundreds of people had been searching the Swanage area since Gaia disappeared on November 7.

Gaia’s sister Clara said: “I just want to tell everybody that every minute of your hard work has been absolutely worth it.

“She is – I’m not going to say was and never will – the absolute light of my life. So beautiful, so emotionally wise and intelligent and so passionate and artistic and creative and understanding.”

Her cousin, Marienna Pope-Weidemann, added: “We want to thank each and every one of you for everything you’ve done.

“If there is one ray of light in this nightmare it is the compassion, humanity and community spirit that you’ve shown.

"Your dedication and selflessness for a girl that many of you don’t even know has been staggering and one of the few things that kept us going. We thank you for everything you have done.

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

Last night, prayers were said for the friends and family of Gaia Pope at St Mary’s Church in Swanage.

Floral tributes have been left on the Alfred Monument on Swanage seafront.

One card said: "Our hopes now replaced with sadness, may you rest in peace Gaia, this town will never forget you xx."

Dorset Echo:

Saturday afternoon saw scores of people turn out at Durlston Country Park, above, to search for Gaia, from Langton Matravers.

The volunteers were greeted by Gaia’s father, Richard Sutherland, who said: “I just want to say a massive thank you for coming out. It is very heart warming and the support gives us a lot of hope.”

Around 50 personnel from police, coastguard and other agencies were involved in their own search on the cliff top at the same time and it was there that the body was discovered.

Dorset Echo:

Police on scene near to where a body was discovered

Det Supt Kessell said: “We would like to take this further opportunity to pass our thoughts to Gaia’s family who we continue to support and who ask for respect of their privacy at this incredibly stressful time. 

“Once again I would like to pass our thanks to the public volunteers and partner organisations who have supported this inquiry throughout and have been material in locating Gaia."

He added: “The area where the body was located is likely to remain cordoned off for some time while forensic examinations and searches are concluded. 

“Please can I ask that the public no longer attend to assist with searches and that they remain a safe distance from the location. I reiterate this area is steep and slippery in an exposed area close to sea cliffs. The area is covered in dense undergrowth and gorse and can present a hazard. Only specially-trained search and forensic teams are entering the area, assisted by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service recovery teams.”

Gaia's family has issued their thanks to the Find Gaia volunteer group for all their hard work and unwavering support.