Body found in search for missing woman Leah Daley, 24, who vanished without a trace near coast

'Our youngest Leah went missing nine days ago on Sunday May 5 and has not been found.

'For Leah not to have returned home without notifying the family, or any of her friends, is totally out of character.

'Since her disappearance we continue to work alongside police but have had no significant updates.

'The last signing of Lean was approximately 7pm at The Warren =- bottom of the main concrete path leading down to Martello tower to the beach.

A lover and frequent walker of The Warren since childhood, Leah is familiar with the routes and surrounding areas.

'Latest images show Leah walking from Tontine Street to The Warren via the Sunny Sands and Wear Bay Road, while listening to music on her JBL earbuds (3.30pm-4.30pm).

'Leah is wearing a dark green Parka coat, patterned leggings, black and white Converse trainers, a black Adidas backpack - her hair pinned in a bun.

'Did you see Leah on Sunday May 5? Did you speak to Leah or notice her in the Warren after 4.30pm?

'Extensive searches of sea and land have shown no trace of Leah.

'No additional information, sightings, CCTV or personal items have been recovered since the busy bank holiday Sunday - densely populated with campers, large groups, fishermen, and dog walkers - when she went missing.

'People do not just vanish. Please come forward and contact the police if you have any information. No piece of information is too insignificant. Please refrain from speculation and rumour as it will only hinder the search.

'We thank everyone for their support and assistance over the last nine days, especially Leah's friends and the local community who have devoted time, effort and resources to find her.

'In the face of our suffering, we vow as a family to keep going until Leah is found.

'On behalf of Leah we thank you all.'