The family of a missing Swanage teenager have released a statement as searches continue. 

19-year-old Gaia Pope disappeared on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 7.

Yesterday, Dorset Police arrested a 19-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman on suspicion of murder. 

The 71-year-old woman has now been released under investigation.

Gaia's family said in a statement today: "We want to express our deepest gratitude to the police, other emergency services and the huge numbers of volunteers and well wishers.

"The massive effort to find Gaia has been great comfort in what everyone will understand is a deeply worrying and scary experience for all who love Gaia so deeply.

"We understand that the police continue to investigate all possible scenarios, and we want to emphasise that the search for Gaia continues.

"We will be releasing information on the Find Gaia Facebook page regarding further volunteer search support.

"Please understand that we want to keep social media to constructive and positive efforts to find Gaia and not to encourage uninformed speculation which can have a negative impact on the family and be a distraction.

"Please keep an eye out for requests for further search support.

"We are aware of the arrests that have taken place but want to emphasise that these must not put a stop to the search until or unless there is a definite conclusion.

"If anyone knows where Gaia is we beg you to let us know.

"To Gaia. We all love you forever. We miss you beyond words. We will find you darling girl. The thought of seeing the sunshine of your smile again soon keeps us all going and hoping."

Anyone with information about Gaia’s whereabouts is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 9:179.