The family of missing Gaia Pope today said they couldn't believe the friend arrested for her murder would be capable of harming the teenager.

Gaia and Nathan Elsey, 19, were friends from school and her family were shocked that he was accused of killing her.

Gaia's cousin, Marienna Pope-Wiedemann, said they are convinced the 19-year-old is still alive and is waiting to be found.

Meanwhile police released fresh CCTV images of Gaia taken about an hour before she disappeared in Swanage, Dorset, on the afternoon of November 7.

The huge search for Gaia resumed today - the eighth day she has been missing.

Police divers were this afternoon searching a pond at Godlingston Wood, a nature reserve on the outskirts of Swanage. A police spokesman stressed that had no specific intelligence to say Gaia is there, only that it is an area that needs searching.

In an emotional appeal Marienna, 26, also urged the public to keep looking for Gaia.

Marienna said: "Gaia had a had a couple of medical appointments in the afternoon (she went missing) but she never made them.

"It was just an ordinary day, then she disappeared. It's frightening looking at the CCTV because we don't know what the story is. We just know she is alive.

"The whole family has been given no reason to believe anything other than that she is alive.

"The arrests were very confusing and shocking and it made it very difficult for the family and wider community to keep going.

"But we have pulled ourselves back together and I would ask the community which have been amazing to keep looking for her.

"Nathan and Gaia were friends. They went to school together. I can't believe he has any reason to hurt her.

"I believe she is out there, she is just waiting for us to find her.

"Gaia's mum and dad are devastated. There are no words for what they are going through.

"The community has been absolutely incredible and we are so profoundly grateful for what everybody is doing and we ask them to keep going."

A tearful Marienna made a direct appeal to Gaia by saying: "We just want to know you are safe.

"You are deeply, deeply loved by us. Gaia baby, you are not in any trouble. Nobody is angry with you. We just want to know you are alright. We are not going to stop looking until we find you."

Marienna described Gaia is very creative and dedicated to other people.

Gaia had been studying health and social care and Poole and Bournemouth College but had to put her studies on hold earlier this year due to her illness.

Marienna said: "She had to step out of education for a while as her epilepsy has got more severe in the last six to 12 months. But she is very close to her family."

Family friend Sheri Carr said their efforts were continuing as there is 'no evidence to suggest Gaia is not still out there'.

A smaller search group targeted transport links around the time of Gaia's last known whereabouts.

Gaia's sister Clara Pope-Sutherland, 21, also made another impassioned plea direct to her sibling on social media.

She said: "My beautiful beautiful Gaia. Time to come home please.

"I'm having to wear all your clothes, you'd be so annoyed.

"It's all good though, I'll let you borrow everything you want when you get home.

"Just want you to squish my cheeks and roll around on the floor giggling with me."

Gaia is vulnerable as she suffers severe epilepsy and hasn't got her medication with her.

She is also suffering Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following a traumatic event she endured two years ago.

Gaia was last seen wearing a red checked shirt with white buttons, grey and white woven leggings and white trainers.

She is 5ft 7ins tall, medium build and has long mousey blonde hair.