THE family of missing Torquay doctor Rose Polge, 25, have issued a public thank you for all the help and support given since she vanished on Friday.

In a statement issued today (Tuesday) they said: ‘We would like to thank everyone for their help, hope and kind words. The support we have received from family and friends has been much appreciated, and clearly Rose is loved far and wide.’

They added: ‘We are overwhelmed by the support from her friends and colleagues, dozens of whom have been combing the Devon Coast in search of Rose.’

A further statement would be issued when it was deemed appropriate, they said.

Searches continued today around the Torquay coast after Dr Polge’s car was found abandoned at Anstey’s Cove, Babbacombe.

A junior doctor at Torbay Hospital, she had supported colleagues in their action over government contract changes.

There has been speculation that Dr Polge, who works in the trauma and orthopaedic unit, had been under stress at work.

A hooded top, thought to belong to her, was found during yesterday’s search.

Anyone with information on Dr Polge’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 quoting log 704 of February 15.