THE father of a 25-year-old woman who went missing a year ago tomorrow (Friday) has told how he fears news reports about dead bodies being found in case it is his daughter. Samantha Wright, a waitress, moved from Archer Road in Stevenage to Edinburgh four

THE father of a 25-year-old woman who went missing a year ago tomorrow (Friday) has told how he fears news reports about dead bodies being found in case it is his daughter.

Samantha Wright, a waitress, moved from Archer Road in Stevenage to Edinburgh four years ago after falling in love with the capital on a family holiday.

She was last seen at a Jobcentre in High Riggs on June 12 last year, although she was only reported missing in February this year after she failed to contact her family over Christmas or on her birthday in January.

Police have now confirmed that her disappearance is being treated as suspicious.

Her father, Jeremy, still lives in Stevenage and said his family are "holding out with hope" she will be found alive and well.

Mr Wright, 46, said: "It's difficult when you read things about women's bodies being found and think that might be Samantha. What keeps us going is the fact nothing has been found. Bodies are hard to get rid off and nothing has turned up."

Police have confirmed that Samantha, who attended Bedwell Primary School and The Nobel School in Stevenage, has not used her bank account or mobile phone since June last year. She has also left behind all her belongings at her rented home in Saughton.

As well as carrying out their investigation in Scotland, police have travelled several times to Stevenage to interview Samantha's family and friends.

Her mother, Catherine Gibson, still lives in Archer Road and police have searched the home where Samantha once lived for clues. They have also been looking into Samantha's dental records.

In March, Ms Gibson told The Comet: "It's like she's just vanished off the face of the earth. I'm trying to stay positive but it's getting harder the more time passes. It's like she doesn't exist. It's dreadful."

Of the police search, she said: "It's like looking for a needle in a haystack."

It is understood the case is now being treated as suspicious because there has been no evidence of Samantha's existence for a year and not because of specific new evidence.

Chief Inspector Paul Bullen, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are obviously incredibly concerned about her safety and wellbeing given the length of time that has passed."

Samantha is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, medium build, with long brown wavy hair which is usually tied back, dark brown eyes, and a pale complexion. It is possible that she may be wearing spectacles.

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.