CCTV clue in hunt for missing girl

Police investigating the disappearance of a Korean woman studying in Britain released CCTV footage today of one of her last journeys.

Detectives now fear In Hea Song, 22, who was reported missing on 18 December, has been murdered.

The images show her withdrawing money from a cash machine moments before she boarded a coach from Victoria to York at 10.10pm on 16 November. She stayed in York for about 12 hours before travelling back to Victoria and police want to know why she was in the city.

Miss Song, who was on a hotel management course, has not been heard from since 8 December.

Det Chief Insp Vic Rae, who is leading the hunt, said: "We are extremely anxious to trace anyone who may have spoken to Miss Song on the coach to York or when she returned to London Victoria.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who may know why she had visited the city and what she did there.

"Her parents have had no contact with their daughter since 4 December last year and are now desperate for anyone who knows her whereabouts to come forward."

In a statement her father, Gilyong, and mother, Nyoungouk, made an emotional appeal for information. They said: "We miss In Hea so much. Ever since her disappearance our friends and family have been waiting for news of her whereabouts and longing for her to return.

"It's hard to imagine what it's like to lose somebody you love and we desperately need help in tracing where she might be and if anyone knows anything about In Hea please let us know or contact the police."

A man from Holborn has been charged with the murder of another Korean student, Hyo Jung Jin, 21, whose body was found in a suitcase dumped in a country lane four miles from York on 18 November.

Miss Song was staying at Augusta House in Augusta Street, Docklands while studying at London Guildhall University.

She is described as being of Oriental appearance, 5ft 4in, slim with brown eyes and dark shoulder-length hair. She also has sunburn marks on her shoulders.

Police are also appealing for help in identifying the body of a young Oriental woman found on the foreshore of the Thames on Sunday between Battersea and Southwark bridges.

The woman is described as in her mid twenties and 5ft 1in. She had reddish brown dyed hair and was dressed in black with a chain around her neck with the word baby. There are no signs of violence but police are treating her death as suspicious.

Anyone with information about Miss Song's disappearance is asked to contact the incident room at Edmonton Police Station on 020 8345 2287 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.