Police searching for a missing university student have found CCTV which they believe shows her running from her Norfolk home towards the beach.
Sophie Smith was last seen at 3am on Boxing Day and is believed to have left the house dressed only in a shorts and a vest, without her mobile phone.
Inspector Will Drummond, who is leading the search, revealed: “Sophie had been suffering from severe anxiety and depression which she was receiving treatment for and we suspect that may have been a trigger for her actions that evening.
“The CCTV image shows a person we believe and the family believe is Sophie and it shows her wearing very little clothing - in a vest and shorts and it shows her running towards the beach in Gorleston.
“Looking at the information it does therefore point to the likelihood that she may have gone into the sea deliberately.”
The 21-year-old, a biomedicine second year student at East Anglia University, is described as being white, about 5ft 8in tall, of a slim build with shoulder length blonde hair.
A spokesman for the university said: “All our thoughts are with Sophie, her family and her friends. Our paramount concern is for Sophie’s safety and welfare and we would urge anyone who may have information about her whereabouts to contact Norfolk Police on 101.”
An online group called Find Sophie Smith has amassed nearly 16,000 members, with her mother revealing: “We have been overwhelmed by the Facebook campaign and messages of help, love and support and thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Her distraught mother Lynn Shaw wrote on Facebook: “Sophie you are my world, why didn’t I protect you? Please come home, please just walk through the door.”
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Get Connected is a free advice service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@getconnected.org.uk
HopeLine runs a confidential advice helpline if you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Mon-Fri 10-5pm and 7pm-10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm on 0800 068 41 41.
Maytree is a sanctuary for the suicidal in north London in a non-medical setting. For help or to enquire about a stay, call 020 7263 7070.
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