Murder cops in U-turn as missing student nurse Owami Davies, 24, could still be alive and ‘need help’ after 5 arrested
A MISSING student nurse who was feared dead could still be alive after a drastic U-turn in the ongoing investigation.
Police have issued a fresh appeal for details of Owami Davies' whereabouts, stating "it is possible she is in the local area and in need of help".
The 24-year-old has been missing for six weeks since she was last seen in Croydon, south London on July 7.
Two men from Croydon were arrested on suspicion of murder and three others on suspicion of kidnap. All five between the ages of 23 and 32 have since been released on bail.
Officers have downloaded around 50,000 hours of to investigate the mystery and have trawled through 10,000 hours already.
The National Crime Agency have also joined the urgent search and are looking into six reported sightings of her.
Yet the police's most recent update in the missing persons case gives hope the young woman is alive, though potentially in danger.
In the last footage of Owami, she was heading down London Road away from West Croydon towards Norbury at around 12.30pm.
The Kings College student was wearing a dark jacket, red T-shirt, light grey joggers, slider type shoes and carrying a white handbag over her shoulder.
Investigators previously appealed for the driver of a white van that was parked in Derby Road when Owami was last seen to come forward.
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She and a man crossed the road just as the van pulled out.
Owami had seen her mother and brothers at their family home in Grays, Essex, just days before her disappearance on July 4.
She even had holidays booked with them to Spain and Disneyland Paris.
Owami is nicknamed "Princess" because of her love of Disney.
The nursing student is said to have been "really happy" with only two months left of her course at university.
She is interested in doing research on diseases after working in A&E during the Covid pandemic.
Owami has secured a job at Guy's and St Thomas's health trust in London upon her graduation.
The young woman's mum, Nicol Davies, 46, is distraught with her daughter missing.
She said: "I sit here as a desperate mother at the mercy of anyone that knows or heard something to help me find my baby, that's all I'm asking, just help to find her.
"Or her, if she's somewhere and hears this, to please come home. We miss her so much, her brothers and myself miss her, need her.
"We are not complete, we just want her to come home and, again, if she is listening she should know she's not in trouble."
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney, who is leading the investigation, said: “The search to find Owami Davies continues and we are conducting searches, appeals and extensive CCTV enquiries in order to trace and find her.
"I would remind people that even though detectives from Specialist Crime are investigating, this remains a missing person enquiry.
“We are obviously very concerned for the welfare of Owami and it is possible she is in the local area and in need of help.
"We have reports of someone of Owami’s description being seen in the Croydon area in the days after she was last seen on CCTV and we sincerely hope to find her safe and well.
“I would also appeal to anyone who may be helping Owami, or Owami if you see this message, please be assured you are not in any trouble at all.
"We are only concerned for your welfare and want to make sure you are okay. You can contact us, or a charity like Missing People on 116 000 and just speak to let us know that you are okay.
"Owami, your family love you and are desperate for news, they would be overjoyed to hear you are safe.
“I would urge people to look at the photos of Owami and contact us if they have seen her or remember seeing her in the area.
"We have already had outstanding support from the local community, partners and businesses and we appreciate everyone who has contacted us or helped publicise the search for Owami.
"I know Owami’s family are grateful for all the help the public have given, please continue to help by calling police if you have any information. Your call could be the vital information that helps us find Owami safe and well.”
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Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4622 where detectives are waiting to speak to you. Information provided will be handled sensitively and anyone who comes forward to assist officers will be given every support.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers. They are separate from the police, they do not trace calls or monitor IP addresses. To contact them, either call 0800 555 111 or visit
