Police Discover Laptop in Ongoing Search for Missing Psychologist
Essex Police have confirmed that a laptop believed to belong to missing psychologist Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto has been discovered in Brightlingsea. The find comes eleven days after the 30-year-old Brazilian national was first reported missing on March 4.
Timeline of Disappearance and Search Efforts
Vitoria Barreto was last seen on March 3 when she took a 30-minute bus journey from Wivenhoe to the coastal town of Brightlingsea at 2.30pm. Police have revealed that CCTV footage shows a person, potentially Ms Barreto, jumping over a fence into a nearby boatyard just after midnight on March 4.
The search has expanded significantly, with officers scouring what they describe as a "hugely significant area of land and coastline." On March 12, the land search was extended to Bradwell-on-Sea, close to where a boat believed to have been taken by Vitoria from a Brightlingsea pontoon was found on March 4.
New Developments and Community Support
In their latest update on March 15, Essex Police stated: "We can confirm that as part of our search for Vitoria Barreto, a laptop which we believe to be hers has been found in Brightlingsea. It was located yesterday, Saturday 14 March. Her family have been updated and continue to be supported."
The police are also investigating several reported potential sightings of Vitoria in the Bradwell area, maintaining a policing presence throughout the weekend. One key line of enquiry focuses on whether Vitoria unmoored a boat from a Brightlingsea pontoon in the early hours of March 4. This possibility gained traction after a bag owned by Vitoria was found near Copperas Road on March 9.
The boat was subsequently located drifting in waters near Bradwell-on-Sea, missing a horseshoe-shaped buoyancy aid. On March 15, the Marine Unit took Vitoria's loved ones on the same boat journey she is believed to have taken.
Emotional Appeal from Police and Family
Detective Superintendent Anna Granger made an emotional appeal on Mother's Day, stating: "I am a mum myself and I cannot even begin to imagine the pain Vitoria's mother Gleyz has experienced since Vitoria's disappearance. Every single officer, staff member and volunteer involved in this search would love nothing more than to reunite Vitoria with her mum."
Vitoria's family is urging the Brazilian community in Essex to display Brazilian flags, hoping to attract her attention and create a safe, welcoming space. Detective Superintendent Granger praised community support, noting that many people have helped raise awareness of Vitoria's disappearance, ensuring her face and clothing are recognized across Essex.
Vitoria was last seen wearing a dark coat, a blue turtleneck jumper, light blue jeans, and black trainers. Police continue to urge anyone with information, sightings, or CCTV footage to come forward immediately.
