Missing doctor's family '˜overwhelmed by support'

THE family of missing junior doctor Rose Polge have said they are 'overwhelmed' by the help they have received from her friends and colleagues as the search for her continues.

Junior doctor Rose Polge has been missing for four days. Picture: SWNS

Divers are among those trying to find the 25-year-old, who disappeared four days ago.

Police have refused to deny a report that suggested she left a note addressed to Jeremy Hunt, before she went missing halfway through a shift.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We are not making any comment about a note or the contents of it.”

Dr Polge, who works at Torbay Hospital in Torquay, Devon, was a vocal supporter of the junior doctors’ strike and posted a new Facebook profile last month featuring the hashtag #NotFairNotSafe.

Her car was discovered in a car park near Anstey’s Cove in Torquay, a shingle beach backed by hillside with thick woodland, at 6pm that day.

In a statement released on Tuesday by police, her family said: “We are overwhelmed by the support from her friends and colleagues, dozens of whom have been combing the Devon coast in search of Rose.

“As the search continues, we would appreciate some privacy from the press in our time of distress. This request extends to our family, friends and acquaintances who are being questioned by the media.

“When the time is appropriate we will make a further statement to the press and public. Thank you.”

Police officers, with the coastguard, RNLI and Dartmoor search and rescue, have been involved in searches to locate her.

It is understood that a hoodie found at the beach on Sunday night has been identified as belonging to Dr Polge.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: “Due to the volume of information we are receiving from the public, a new dedicated log has been set up solely for public information on the missing person Rose Polge.

“If you have seen Rose or have any information that could help police with their inquiries, please call 101 quoting log 704 for the 15th February.”

The force previously said it was “extremely concerned” for Dr Polge’s welfare.

Dr Polge is described as 5ft 2ins tall with brown eyes and long black hair either worn down or in a pony tail.

Martin Ringrose, interim director of human resources at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are aware that one of our junior doctors is missing.

“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this very distressing time.

“We will do whatever we can to support the authorities investigating her disappearance and searching for her, as well as providing support to her colleagues, who are anxious for her wellbeing.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “Our thoughts are with Dr Polge’s family and friends at an extremely difficult time.”