Missing junior doctor Rose Polge 'left a note to loved ones'

Friends of missing junior doctor Rose Polge have joined the search for her as it emerged that she left a note to loved ones before she disappeared.

Dr Polge, 25, who works at Torbay Hospital in Devon, has not been seen since February 12.

It is understood that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is mentioned in passing in the note, which is addressed to her friends and family and is not political.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We would not speculate on any contents of any note."

Her family released a statement saying: "We are overwhelmed by the support from her friends and colleagues, dozens of whom have been combing the Devon coast in search of Rose.

"As the search continues, we would appreciate some privacy from the press in our time of distress. This request extends to our family, friends and acquaintances who are being questioned by the media.

"When the time is appropriate we will make a further statement to the press and public. Thank you."

Dr Polge's car was discovered in a car park near Anstey's Cove in Torquay, a shingle beach backed by hillside with thick woodland, at 6pm on February 12.

Police officers and divers, with the coastguard, RNLI and Dartmoor search and rescue, have been involved in the search for her.

It is understood that a hoodie found at the beach on Sunday night has been identified as belonging to Dr Polge.

Dr Polge is described as 5ft 2ins tall with brown eyes and long black hair either worn down or in a ponytail.

Martin Ringrose, interim director of human resources at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this very distressing time.

"We will do whatever we can to support the authorities investigating her disappearance and searching for her, as well as providing support to her colleagues, who are anxious for her well being."

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: "Our thoughts are with Dr Polge's family and friends at an extremely difficult time."

Mr Hunt announced last week that he would impose new pay and conditions on junior doctors in England, saying the doctors' union the British Medical Association had proved "unwilling" to show flexibility and compromise.