Police update 60 days after missing woman reported in Brightlingsea
Vitoria Barreto was reported missing on March 4th
Essex Police has released an update more than 60 days since Vitoria Barreto was reported missing.
Since initial concerns were raised on 4 March, the force says it has carried out extensive physical searches, focusing on areas where Vitoria was last seen and locations identified through CCTV, witness accounts and specialist analysis.
These searches have involved uniformed officers, detectives, police search teams and specialist partners, covering large and often challenging areas of land and coastline.
Detectives say they are still not able to confirm with a high degree of certainty that Vitoria unmoored a boat from Brightlingsea in the early hours of 4 March, which was later found adrift close to Bradwell, a consistent working hypothesis of the investigation has been that this was Vitoria and that she may have reached the Bradwell shoreline.
That area has been extensively searched, physically where possible and with air support, with all available CCTV reviewed meticulously.
As part of this work, the force is specifically appealing to residents in Bradwell to check any outbuildings, garages, sheds or enclosed areas on their land where someone could have sought shelter.
Alongside physical searches, a significant strand of the investigation continues to focus on international enquiries and digital analysis.
The force says it is continuing to work closely with international partners to obtain information relating to Vitoria’s mobile phone data and financial activity.
As part of this process, we have so far received a limited number of bank transactions through international systems. These show normal and expected use of her bank cards up until 3 March, with all transactions recorded after that date being consistent with pre planned subscription payments.
Detective Superintendent Anna Granger, who is leading the investigation, said: “From the very start, our priority has been to find Vitoria and understand what has happened to her and I want her family to know this drive has not wavered.
“Over the past two months, teams have carried out extensive physical searches and detailed investigative work, including pursuing reported sightings for provenance and further substantiation while also working internationally to get information that may help us build a full picture of her movements and circumstances.
“As part of the financial investigation, we have so far received a limited number of transactions. Further information has been requested, and officers remain ready to receive and assess any additional data as soon as it becomes available.”
Detective Superintendent Granger added: “At the heart of all of this work is Vitoria and her loved ones. This continues to be a distressing time for her family and friends, and they remain at the forefront of our thoughts.
“Although significant work has already taken place, the passage of time does not lessen the importance of new information coming forward.
“We would ask residents, particularly in Bradwell but indeed also Brightlingsea, to check sheds, garages and outbuildings on their properties. Even the smallest piece of information could be important.
“If you believe you saw Vitoria or have information that you have not yet shared with us, please come forward.”