Smeaton's Tower lit up purple in tribute to Plymouth teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod

It's the national colour used to shine a light on abuse and violence towards women

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 24th Nov 2021

Smeaton's Tower has been illuminated purple in tribute to Plymouth teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod.

The 18-year-old was reported missing on Saturday when she didn't show up to meet her friends in town.

On Tuesday night police revealed that they had found a body.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but Bobbi-Anne's family has been told.

Plymouth City Council have been among those paying tribute to the teenager, and have illuminated Smeaton's Tower purple tonight (Wednesday 24th November) to show her friends and family that the city mourns with them.

It is the national colour used when shining a light on abuse and violence towards women.

Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:

“This is really tragic news. Bobbi-Anne McLeod was a young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. It is devastating that someone has chosen to take this away.

“I am sure that the shock of this tragedy will not just be felt in Leigham but across the whole of our city and I know that everyone will stand with me when I say that all our thoughts are with her family and friends at this devastating time.”

Officers on the ground, supported by the police helicopter and other specialist resources, have been carrying out searches and enquiries in relation to this investigation. Whilst these are ongoing the public can expect to see an increased visible police presence.

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper gave an updated press statement on Wednesday afternoon.

She said: "Officers on the ground have been and are continuing to be supported by specialist resources. Extensive searches and forensic examination of a number of scenes is being carried out as we speak.

"These searches are expected to continue over the coming days and the public will see lots of increased visible police presence. We apologise to our communities but we will see a lot of police on our streets."

Two men, aged 24 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody at this time.

If anyone has any information that can help with the investigation, please call the Police on 101 quoting log 706 22/11/21.

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