Detectives investigating the disappearance of student nurse Owami Davies, who has been missing for four weeks, have arrested a fourth man on suspicion of murder.
A 22-year-old man was arrested by officers at an address in Croydon on Wednesday evening, following the previous arrests of three other men who all remain in custody.
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Detective chief inspector Nigel Penney, who is leading the investigation, insisted that ‘while a further arrest has been made, this remains a missing person investigation and our priority is, and always has been, finding Owami’.
Ms Davies from Grays, in Essex, left her family home 4 July and was last seen at 00:03 in Derby Road, West Croydon, on 7 July. Ms Davies’ family are being kept updated about the progress of the investigation.
Police have also issued a further appeal to find the driver of a white van which was parked on the Derby Road at the time Ms Davies was last seen. CCTV footage shows that she was in the company of an unknown man and cross the road, just as the white van pulled out.
Police say that the driver would have been able to see the two clearly and are urging this potential witness to come forward with any information they may have. CI Penney added: ‘We are working hard to find Owami but we really do need the public’s help – the longer she is missing the more we worry that she has come to harm.
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‘As a result of extensive CCTV enquiries, we have a clearer idea of Owami’s movements, but we still need the public to contact us and tell us what they know. We would obviously like to speak to the driver of the white van that passed Owami in Derby Road, but anyone with information should call.’
Ms Davies’ mother Nicol Davies said: ‘There are many friends and family who love and care for Owami and all of them want to see her safe return. Owami – if you see this appeal please believe you are not in any trouble, we just want you to come back to us. Pease leave a message if you can to let us know you are okay, we are so very worried about you.
‘This is such a terrible time for all those who love Owami and I am pleading for anyone who can help find her to contact police. Every day we hope to hear the news that Owami is coming back to us, your help might make it so.’
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Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on the incident room at 020 8721 4622. You can also call 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote reference 22MIS025307.
To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org