Candlelight vigil held for teenager Gaia Pope one week after body found

Mourners have joined for a vigil held in memory of teenager Gaia Pope who was found dead a week ago.

Family, friends and members of the public attended the ceremony at an amphitheater in Swanage, Dorset, on Saturday evening.

Miss Pope, who had epilepsy, disappeared on November 7.

Her disappearance sparked a massive campaign to find her, while detectives arrested three individuals who were later released without charge.

The body of Miss Pope was found on land south of Swanage last Saturday close to where some of her clothing had been recovered.

The body of Miss Pope was found last Saturday. Credit: PA

During the vigil a minute silence was observed by mourners.

Family members, including Miss Pope's father Richard Sutherland, addressed those gathered.

Many placed candles in glass jars near a floral tribute spelling GAIA below a framed picture of Miss Pope.

A post-mortem examination did not identify any injuries to suggest third party involvement.

Police say the death is being treated as unexplained.

Dozens of mourners attended the service. Credit: PA