Police are trying to trace the last steps of missing Hatfield student Joy Morgan, who has links to Stevenage, after a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The young woman, who lives in student housing on Aviation Way in Hatfield, was last seen on December 26 in Ilford.
The case is being treated as suspicious and a 40-year-old man from London has been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail while enquiries continue.
However, police have stressed that this is just one line of enquiry and they still seek any further information from people who know Joy.
Joy was last seen at a church celebration in the company of a community that Joy has said feels like family.
She was also in a whatsapp conversation with fellow students the next day, talking about coursework.
This was the last time she was heard from.
She was reported missing on Thursday, February 7.
As part of their appeal, police have released a picture of a “highly distinctive” red Honda that she is known to regularly travel in.
“We know the vehicle and we have spoken to the owner,” said DCI Karena Thomas at a press conference today. “However, we are hoping that this might jog people’s memory.
“Joy Morgan is a beautiful young 21-year-old woman,” said DCI Karena Thomas, also describing her as a “focused and determined” student.
“Her disappearance is completely out of character and all avenues that we have explored to establish her whereabouts so far are have come back negative.”
Police are remaining openminded, and said that if Joy has simply decided to take time out, they urge her to get in touch via 101.
“However, we also need to consider the context in which Joy has gone missing, and given the sudden nature of her disappearance, and the non-contact with her friends, family or fellow worshippers at her church, at this stage we have to consider that she may have come to harm,” said DCI Thomas.
She confirmed that there has been no activity on Joy’s bank account, or on her phone, since the disappearance, and no unusual prior activity either.
Describing Joy as a very private person, DCI Thomas also appealed for friends to come forward with information about her.
“We are now asking people to think back over the last couple of months,” said DCI Thomas
“We realise it’s difficult, but unlike at other times, we’re asking people to think back about the festive period.
“Hopefully that will allow people to maybe think about Joy more clearly and we’ll be able to link it to the time that we’re interested in.”
Joy is described as black, of slim build, around 5ft 5in tall, with black afro-style hair which she often covers with a scarf.
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.”
Joy has links to Ilford, Battersea, Stevenage, Luton and Cricklewood.
“Any information, no matter how small it might seem to you, might help us with our enquiries,” said DCI Thomas.
Any information about Joy’s whereabouts can be submitted online here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020119R15-PO1If you have seen Joy since she was reported missing or have information about where she has been, please 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.
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