Family appeal for woman's return

Amanda Edwards was last seen on Thursday morning

The family of a woman missing for five days has appealed for her safe return.

Amanda Edwards, 21, a nursery assistant from Purton near Swindon, disappeared on Thursday after giving her boyfriend a lift home to Calne at 1000 BST.

A Swindon man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping.

A statement read by a family liaison officer said: "Amanda, please come home. We miss and love you so much. Please contact us and let us know you are safe and well."

It is vital that anyone with any information contact us as a matter of urgency Paul Howlett Detective Chief Superintendent

Amanda was due to meet a friend in Swindon on Thursday, but failed to turn up.

Her car, a racing green Rover Metro, was found parked outside the Asda supermarket in West Swindon.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, who is leading a team of around 50 officers, added: "Our objective is the safe return of Amanda to her family and to satisfy ourselves that she is safe, well and free from harm.

"The support and co-operation of the public is essential. It is vital that anyone with any information contact us as a matter of urgency.

"In particular, we want anyone who saw her or her car on Thursday, to contact us."

She failed to keep an appointment to meet a friend

Mr Howlett confirmed that police looking for Amanda are carrying out a number of searches across Wiltshire.

The 21-year-old has not used her mobile phone or bank account since she was last seen.

Miss Edwards is described as of mixed race, of slim build, 5ft 6ins with short black bobbed hair.

She was wearing a dark blue track suit top with a red stripes on the sleeves and green trousers with a white "A" on the right hand side.

She was also wearing white trainers and had a grey handbag, with denim handles and a pink interior.

Police have set up a major incident room at Westlea, Swindon.