Police investigating the disappearance of a student nurse have received new reports of someone matching her description in the south London area.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, leading the near six-week probe, reassured anyone helping 24-year-old Owami Davies they are not in any trouble.
Owami left her family home in Chafford Hundred, Grays, was last seen in Derby Road, West Croydon on July 7.
CCTV released last week showed her in a dark jacket, red Adidas T-shirt, light grey joggers at 12.30pm walking north on London Road away from West Croydon towards Norbury.
DCI Penney, of Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “The search to find Owami Davies continues and we are conducting searches, appeals and extensive CCTV enquiries in order to trace and find her. I would remind people this remains a missing person enquiry.
“We are obviously very concerned for the welfare of Owami and it is possible she is in the local area and in need of help.
“We have reports of someone of Owami’s description being seen in the Croydon area in the days after she was last seen on CCTV and we sincerely hope to find her safe and well.
“I would also appeal to anyone who may be helping Owami, or Owami if you see this message, please be assured you are not in any trouble at all.
“We are only concerned for your welfare and want to make sure you are okay.
“Owami, your family love you and are desperate for news, they would be overjoyed to hear you are safe.
“I would urge people to look at the photos of Owami and contact us if they have seen her or remember seeing her in the area.”
He added: “We have already had outstanding support from the local community, partners and businesses and we appreciate everyone who has contacted us or helped publicise the search for Owami.
“I know Owami’s family are grateful for all the help the public have given, please continue to help by calling police if you have any information. Your call could be the vital information that helps us find Owami safe and well.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, the South Area commander, added: “I can assure our community that all we can do to find Owami is being done.”
Five men have been arrested during the course of the investigation for offences of suspected murder or kidnap.
All have since been released on bail, whilst the investigation team follow up on further inquiries.
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation into her disappearance, and has brought in support from the National Crime Agency.
Investigators have previously appealed for the driver of a white van that was parked in Derby Road when Owami was last seen to come forward. She and a man crossed the road just as the van pulled out.
Owami’s mother Nicol Davies, 46, has made public appeals through the police for help finding her daughter.
She said: “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.”
Owami was nearing the end of her studies and had secured a job with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital.
She had worked in A&E during the Covid-19 pandemic and was interested in doing research on diseases.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
