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Missing student last seen on CCTV heading towards seafront, police say

POLICE have said missing student Sophie Smith was last seen on CCTV heading towards the seafront.

The 21-year-old student went missing from her home in Gorleston, Norfolk in the early hours of Tuesday, December 26.

Sophie Smith left her Avondale Road home at around 3am, believed to be only wearing a dark coloured vest top and light coloured shorts.

Police Inspector Will Drummond said: "We have diligently searched for Sophie and have investigated a range of scenarios but unfortunately there have been no confirmed sightings or contact since she left her property at 3am.

"We have a possible CCTV image of Sophie heading towards the seafront but, despite all our efforts, we have found no further trace of her.

"We have spoken to friends and family, conducted house to house enquiries and checked her social media accounts.

"We have liaised with local hospitals, places she’s known to have links and House to house enquires and we have also conducted a widespread search, including possible CCTV sightings, but unfortunately nothing has been found.

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask the public to check their sheds and outbuildings in case Sophie has got disorientated and slept in the nearest place of shelter.

"We are in close contact with Sophie’s family, who are being supported by officers at what is a very difficult time for them.

"However, due to the circumstances in which she left home with minimal clothing, no mobile phone, her mental state and the weather conditions, the hope of finding Sophie safe and well diminishes as time goes on.”

Lynn Shaw, Sophie’s mum is grateful for the continued assistance and support shown by the public, however has requested that they are allowed privacy at this time, and any enquires either public or media are directed through Norfolk Constabulary.

Sophie is described as being white, about 5ft 8, of a slim build with shoulder length blonde hair. It is believed she was wearing a dark coloured vest top and light coloured shorts.