Police focus search for missing Vitoria in Brightlingsea
An urgent public appeal is underway
Police in Essex are intensifying their search for Vitoria, who has been missing since 3rd March, urging the Brightlingsea community to aid in the investigation.
Detective Superintendent Anna Granger is overseeing the operation and confirmed that Vitoria was last reported in contact with loved ones on 3rd March, following a meeting with a friend at Essex University.
Vitoria boarded the number 87 bus in Boundary Road, Wivenhoe, just after 1pm, later alighting in Bellfield Avenue, Brightlingsea.
She was captured on doorbell footage in the Hurst Green area shortly after 2.30pm on the same day.
At the time, Vitoria was dressed in a dark coat, blue turtleneck jumper, light blue jeans, and dark trainers featuring white soles.
She carried a white shoulder tote bag inscribed with “people over profit.”
Police have retrieved a bag matching this description on a greenspace near Copperas Road, Brightlingsea, found by a member of the public shortly after 2pm yesterday.
Vitoria’s family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
Additionally, police have identified CCTV footage that appears to show someone jumping a fence into a boatyard near where the bag was found.
The footage, recorded shortly after midnight on 4th March, is believed to show Vitoria.
Presently, police efforts are concentrated on precise locations in Brightlingsea with search teams, including officers on foot, air support, specialist dogs, and volunteers from Essex Search and Rescue.
Detective Superintendent Granger stressed the investigation's importance by highlighting Vitoria's role as a missing daughter, partner, and friend.
She appealed to Brightlingsea residents to examine their CCTV footage and report any sightings of Vitoria, emphasizing the potential significance of even the smallest details.
Granger reassured Vitoria's loved ones, promising dedicated efforts to locate her.