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Owami Davies: Fifth arrested in connection missing student nurse

Owami Davies: Fifth arrested in connection missing student nurse

A fifth man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap in connection with the disappearance of 24-year-old student nurse Owami Davies.

Detectives have issued a renewed appeal for information a month on from when Ms Davies was last seen in the early hours of 7 July as she walked along Derby Road in West Croydon, London.

A second unconfirmed sighting has also been reported on the same day, at around 7am, in nearby Clarendon Road, three days after she left her family home in Grays, Essex, police said.

There have now been five arrests in connection with Ms Davies disappearance. The latest is a 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of kidnap. Two other men have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and two others on suspicion of murder. 

The first four men to be arrested have now been released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘This is a complex ongoing investigation involving a significant number of officers.

‘We are now a month on from the last confirmed sighting of her. I cannot imagine what that time has been like for her family. We continue to provide them with whatever support we can.

‘I am grateful for the help we have received from the public so far, but I must again appeal for anyone who has information – however insignificant they believe it might be – to get in touch.’

Owami Davies was nearing the end of her studies and had secured a job with Guy’s and St Thomas’ health trust, her mother told PA news agency. She had worked in A&E during the Covid-19 pandemic and was interested in doing research on diseases.

A spokesperson for King’s College London told the BBC that Ms Davies is a valued member of the university’s community. She said: ‘We are deeply concerned about her disappearance, and we continue to hope for her swift and safe return.

‘We are keeping Owami, her family, and her friends in our thoughts during this difficult time. Our immediate priority is cooperating with the Metropolitan Police in their investigation.’

Officers are keen to speak with the driver of a white van seen on Derby road around the time Owami Davies was last seen. The police report that the van pulled out just as Ms Davies crossed the road in the company of a man, meaning the driver would have had a good opportunity to see them both clearly, police said. Officers are appealing this possible witness to come forward.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622. Information provided will be handled sensitively and anyone who comes forward to assist officers will be given every support.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers. They are separate from the police, they do not trace calls or monitor IP addresses. To contact them, either call 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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