THE latest search for missing teenager Gaia Pope is under way at Durlston Country Park in Swanage.

Family members, friends and other members of the public have gathered as the hunt for 19-year-old Gaia enters its 11th day.

They were greeted at the scene by Gaia’s father, Richard Sutherland, who said: “A huge thank you all for coming out today. It’s very heart-warming and the support gives us a lot of hope so thank you very much.”

PC Simon Colvin, neighbourhood police officer for Swanage, also thanked those involved and gave them advice.

He said: “Some of you have travelled a long way. I saw on Facebook that someone has travelled 300 miles to come here today, so people’s help really is appreciated. Out on the cliffs and the fields and all around Swanage there are mines, some of these will be covered in brambles, so really be careful where you’re going.

“Sundown will be about 4.15pm, so we would like everyone back here by 4pm. The last thing we need is anyone endangering themselves that could take resources away elsewhere.

“As well as your searches today there’s a search by the police that consists of 50 personnel, which is led by the police but includes other agencies such as coastguards and the fire brigade”

“If you find something that you think we may be interested in, leave it, call us and that decision will be made.”

Many of the police officers are continuing to search on the clifftop near Dancing Ledge.

Many of the members of the public involved in the search spoke of their concern for Gaia’s family and the overwhelming desire to help to find her.

Leigh Van De Zande, 58, of Langton Matravers, said: “If one of my children was missing I would hope everyone would do what they are doing here by coming to help and doing as much as they could.

“With everybody searching hopefully they will find something, some clue. I work for a local field study centre in Langton Matravers and we’ve got a big box of fluorescent jackets so I thought we’d bring them along for anyone that wants one. At least we’re visible then.”

Customer relations manager Rachel Wood, 38, from Bournemouth, added: “It’s gone on for so long now, we’ve just got to all pull together and do whatever we can. We’ve come across from Bournemouth, as opposed to being local from the Purbeck area, but it’s still local to us and it’s still someone that’s gone missing.

“The family need closure and I can’t stop thinking about it, so we’re doing whatever we can try and do to help and get the closure that is needed. If she is found safe I’ll be really happy for the family. She could be safe somewhere and we’re all really hoping for that.”

Polly Hunt, 49, said: “We’ve come down here today to see if we can help with the search and absolutely we’re hopeful of finding her. It’s brilliant that people have turned up, it’s one of the brilliant things about living in a small community. The more people the more chance of finding her.”

Retired Mike Greenleaves, 70, added: “This is the least we can do for Gaia’s sake and the family. If she’s around we want to find her as soon as possible. Everyone needs to do everything they can, look for any signs at all, and be optimistic.”

Gaia, who suffers from extreme epilepsy, was last seen in Morrison Road, Swanage at around 4pm on Tuesday November 7.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder as part of the inquiry and all have been released under investigation.