When did Sophie Smith go missing from Gorleston in Norfolk and what did the CCTV footage of the biomedical student show?

SOPHIE Smith sparked a desperate search when she vanished from her parents’ house with CCTV “shows her running towards the sea”.

The biomedical student, 21, disappeared in just a vest and shorts from her home in Gorleston, Norfolk, at about 3am on Boxing Day – with police revealing she left a suicide note before disappearing.

Who is Sophie Smith?

Sophie Smith, 21, disappeared in just a vest and shorts from her home in Gorleston, Norfolk, at about 3am on Boxing Day as temperatures plummeted to below freezing.

Sophie, who is in her second year studying Biomedicine at the University of East Anglia. had spent Christmas Day at her family home.

Police have spoken to friends, checked CCTV, local hospitals and social media accounts since Sophie vanished without a phone.

Local cops said that the only trace of her found is a possible CCTV sighting showing her heading towards the seafront.

What happened after Sophie went missing?

Police confirmed that her mum and stepdad, who run an antique shop in the town, realised she had gone when they heard a door slam in the early hours and found her missing.

The couple called police and officers immediately launched a search involving coastguards, two lifeboats and a police helicopter scouring the coastline and the nearby River Yare.

Police later recovered CCTV footage from a neighbouring house, which appeared to show her running towards the sea around 200 yards away, wearing only summer-style clothing.

Police had earlier said it is the first time Sophie has gone missing, but added that they did not believe the circumstances to be suspicious.

Norfolk Police confirmed on January 2 it was scaling back its search and have said it is most likely the 21-year-old went into the sea.

A police spokeswoman said: “All lines of inquiry, including the CCTV, have been investigated and nothing has come out.”

On January 4, Inspector Will Drummond of Norfolk Police said: “We know from speaking to her family that Sophie had previously spoken about her intention to enter the sea to take her own life.

“Sadly, we can also confirm that Sophie had left a note and messages for loved ones, outlining her intentions.

“We have carried out comprehensive enquiries since her disappearance on Boxing Day.

“The last and only CCTV image of Sophie was at 3am on Boxing Day running in the direction of the beach.

“All other enquiries since this time have proved negative. ”

What has Sophie’s family said?

Sophie’s mother Lynn Shaw has urged anyone suffering from depression or anxiety to seek help.

She said: “In our hearts, we hold every hope she will return safe and well. But as a family and knowing the troubles she was experiencing, we do fear the worst for our little girl.

“Sophie had openly discussed how she was struggling and was receiving treatment. I would urge anyone suffering anxiety or depression not to fight that battle alone and seek help.

“Sophie’s step-father Kevin and I would like to thank the public and police for their continued support and dedication in searching for Sophie.”

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans (free) on 116123 or 020 7734 2800.