Extra time to quiz kidnap suspect

Amanda Edwards has been missing since Thursday

Police have been granted extra time to question a man on suspicion of kidnapping a Wiltshire woman.

Amanda Edwards, 21, from Purton near Swindon, disappeared six days ago after giving her boyfriend a lift home to Calne at 1000 BST.

A Swindon man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap on Monday. On Tuesday at around 2100 BST, police were granted an extra 36 hours to question him.

Officers have carried out a number of searches at locations in the county.

A building site near Malmesbury, and a skip filled with builder's rubbish have been examined.

Police say the arrested man is not Ms Edwards' boyfriend, or a member of her family.

About 100 police officers are now involved in the case.

There is no evidence that she has suffered any harm or is no longer alive. We will consider all possibilities Paul Howlett Detective Chief Superintendent

Ms Edwards, a nursery assistant, was due to meet a friend in Swindon on Thursday, but failed to turn up.

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

On Thursday, police will return to the supermarket to conduct further enquiries.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Howlett, said: "It continues to be the case that as time passes, we are increasingly concerned for Amanda's welfare.

"There is no evidence that she has suffered any harm or is no longer alive. We will consider all possibilities.

"We are searching areas where Amanda frequented and others of interest as a result of information obtained."

Ms Edwards' family have appealed for her safe return.

Incident room

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."

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, 5 ft 6 ins tall.

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.