A nurse who was last seen in south London more than a month ago has been depressed and may be travelling regularly by train appearing “dazed or confused”, police have said.
Officers said Owami Davies may be in a “vulnerable state” while “seeking to engage with other lone female travellers”.
The 24-year-old was last seen walking north along London Road in Croydon at around 12.30pm on 7 July.
She had left her family home in Essex three days before.
The Metropolitan Police, which is investigating her disappearance as a missing persons case, said in a statement on Thursday: “Owami has been depressed and in the absence of her medication may use alcohol to relieve her depression.”
British Transport Police (BTP) earlier tweeted that Ms Davies often uses the rail and Tube network to travel from Grays, Essex, to Croydon in south London.
They added she frequently uses the West Ham and West Croydon stations.
Results day: A-level grades lower than last two years but higher than pre-pandemic levels
Greater Manchester Police release new image of man wanted over abduction of six-year-old girl – as parents urged to be ‘extra vigilant’
Man arrested after Thomas O’Halloran stabbed to death on mobility scooter in Greenford, west London
BTP added: “Owami may still be regularly travelling by rail in a vulnerable state, appearing dazed or confused and possibly seeking to engage with other lone female travellers.”
Met Police officers had previously arrested five people – two on suspicion of murder and three on suspicion of kidnap – in connection with the investigation.
All five have since been released on bail.
After numerous police appeals, members of the public have reported potential sightings of Ms Davies in the Croydon area.
Police have been scouring thousands of hours of CCTV footage to try to verify whether the sightings were actually her.
Officers said on Tuesday someone matching the description of Ms Davies has been seen in Croydon since she was last caught on CCTV.
Earlier this week, Scotland Yard issued a fresh appeal saying Ms Davies could be “in the local area and in need of help”.
Read more
Mother makes ‘desperate’ public plea to help find missing Owami Davies
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, who is leading the investigation, said: “The search to find Owami Davies continues, and we are conducting searches, appeals and extensive CCTV inquiries in order to trace and find her.
“I would remind people that even though detectives from specialist crime are investigating, this remains a missing person inquiry.”
Mr Penney stressed that the nurse or anyone who may be helping her is not in trouble.
The Metropolitan Police has said the National Crime Agency is also working on the case.
Anyone with information can call police on 020 8721 4622, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.