Was Amanda kidnapped? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

A MAN is being quizzed on suspicion of kidnapping missing Purton woman Amanda Edwards. The man, from Swindon, is being held in custody while the search for Amanda continues.

The 21-year-old nursery care assistant hasn't been seen since she dropped her boyfriend off at his home in Bremhill, Calne, at 10am on Thursday.

Her distraught family have heard nothing since.

Detective Chief Super-intendent Paul Howlett said: "At this time, Amanda's whereabouts continue to be unknown, and the longer the situation persists, the more concerned we become.

"It is vital that anyone who has information that might assist us in securing our objective of ensuring Amanda is safe and well should contact us as a matter of urgency."

Amanda's car a distinctive British racing green Rover Metro was discovered later on Thursday in the Asda car park at the West Swindon Centre. A police search has concentrated on that area.

A major incident room has now been set up at Westlea police station as a team of 50 officers work flat-out to piece together Amanda's last known movements.

On Thursday police chiefs plan to flood the area with officers in the hope of jogging people's memories with a reconstruction of the last sightings of Amanda.

Although Amanda, described as a typical and unremarkable young woman, was said to be suffering from depression following a holiday last year taken with her 19-year-old boyfriend, Det Chief Supt Howlett stressed that there was no evidence to suggest this is linked in any way to her disappearance.

He said: "Quite a large number of officers are involved in this case, but we feel that it befits the seriousness of this incident.

"At this time we cannot explain Amanda's disappearance and we will do everything we possibly can to make certain that Amanda is safe from harm.

"We will talk to anyone who believes that they can help us and we will discount nothing."

The officer added that her parents, boyfriend and older sister are all sick with worry.

"To say that they are beside themselves with worry would be an understatement," he said.

Bank account records show that she has not withdrawn cash since April 7 the day before she disappeared.

Data obtained from her mobile phone also drew a blank.

Previously, it was thought Amanda was wearing a pink nylon top with white coloured jogging bottoms emblazoned with the letter A.

Now, following the release of CCTV footage taken from a Purton convenience store prior to her dropping off her boyfriend, it is believed she was wearing a dark blue tracksuit top, dark green trousers and white trainers. She was also carrying a grey handbag.

She is described as being of mixed race, 5ft 6 ins, of very slim build, with short, black hair worn in a bobbed style.

Detectives are still want to hear from anyone who may have seen her driving her car registration plate L597 PHP on the day of her disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to call Swindon CID on 01793 528111.

Kevin Shoesmith

Tamash Lal