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Libby Squire: Police release new video of missing Hull student as officers fear she may have 'come to harm'

Mother says disappearance has led to been month of 'utter heartbreak and despair'

Samuel Osborne
Thursday 28 February 2019 14:26 EST
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Police release new video of missing Hull student Libby Squire as officers fear she may have 'come to harm'

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Police have released a new video showing missing student Libby Squire joking with friends from university and said it is increasingly likely that “she has come to harm”.

The 21-year-old has not been seen since the early hours of 1 February near her home in Hull.

Her mother Lisa said it has been a month of “utter heartbreak and despair”.

Despite the help of national experts, including river search specialists, police have found no sign of Ms Squire.

Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley of Humberside Police, who is leading the investigation, said his team had followed up hundreds of leads and carried out intensive searches yet the disappearance remained “unexplained”.

He added: “We must increasingly consider she has come to harm.”

The footage shows Ms Squire laughing with friends in what appears to be a student flat.

Her mother described the footage as lovely and “very Libby”.

She said: “It’s now been four weeks without our beautiful Libby. A month of utter heartbreak and despair.

“As a family we are incomplete. We miss her more than we could ever say. We just want her back with us.

“Please, if anyone has any information no matter how insignificant it may seem, contact the police.”

Meanwhile, the detective said CCTV released last week showed four potential witnesses in Oak Road, none of whom have been identified.

Mr Smalley said: “Oak Road and the playing fields have been an area of interest throughout the investigation with resources deployed and extensive searches conducted. Our searches are continuing, with further searches in and around the River Hull.

“I am aware of speculation and theories as to what may have happened to Libby. These will be considered and explored as part of the investigation.”

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The detective said a man remained under investigation for kidnap, but he said disclosing further details could jeopardise any future prosecution.

He added: “The investigation remains very much active and my thanks go out to everyone who has provided support and assistance as we continue to search for Libby.”

Additional reporting by Press Association

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