Police looking for a student who went missing in December fear she “may have come to harm”.
Hertfordshire University midwifery student Joy Morgan, 21, from Hatfield, was last seen at a church celebration in Ilford, London, on 26 December. Ms Morgan’s bank cards or mobile phone have not been used. She was not reported missing until February 7th.
Hertfordshire police
Murder detectives questioned an 40-year-old man in connection with her disappearance but he has been released on bail.
Police confirmed they are treating her disappearance as suspicious.
After a church party on December 26th, 2018 Ms Morgan went to stay at an associate house in Cricklewood who thought she was returning to Hertfordshire the next day but it is unknown where she has went. She was last in contact with the university colleagues on WhatsApp about coursework due on December 27.
Det Ch Supt Karena Thomas said the force was “working to unravel all aspects of Joy’s life”.
“We are remaining really open minded about how and why Joy may have gone missing, she may have opted to take time out in which case I would appeal to [her] to get in touch with us,” she said.
“However, we also need to consider the context in which Joy has gone missing, and given the sudden nature of her disappearance and non-contact with her friends, family and with the fellow worshippers at her church, at this stage we have to consider that she may have come to harm.”
Her disappearance is out of character and any whereabouts have came back negative. Police said Joy was a focused and determined student who was enjoying her course and looking forward to a hospital placement in the new year.
The force is asking for anyone who knows Joy to contact them so that they can build a better picture of what is going on in her life.
Hertfordshire police
As part of the investigation, officers are keen to trace a highly distinctive Honda that Joy regularly travels in (pictured). The vehicle’s owner has been identified and spoken to but it is believed that the vehicle is linked to Joy’s disappearance.
Officers also want to hear from anyone who has seen her since 26 December or seen her in the “highly distinctive” Honda car in which she often travels.
The student also has links to Ilford, Battersea, Cricklewood, Stevenage and Bedfordshire.
She is slim build, around 5ft 5in tall, with black afro-style hair which she often covers with a scarf. She also wears glasses.
Tuesday, February 12 was Joy’s 21st birthday, and her family issued the following appeal: “We love you, we miss you. Wherever you are, text or call so that we know you are alright. It doesn’t matter what has happened, just come home.”
If you have seen Joy since she was reported missing or have information about where she has been, call Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101. If you believe you are with Joy now or have seen her in the last few moments, please call 999 immediately.
