CCTV released as investigation continues into disappearance of Poole Hospital nurse Rui Li

Rui Li, 44, was last seen leaving Poole Hospital, where she works, and police have now released a CCTV image of her leaving the hospital in her car.

She was reported missing by her family on Tuesday morning. She left work at around 6pm on Friday and her car, a silver Porsche, was seen leaving the hospital car park at 6.17pm.

The distinctive silver Porsche Boxster, with personalised number-plate L1 RUI, was recovered by scenes of crime officers outside a property at Wolverton Road, Boscombe, yesterday.

DI Marcus Hester, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “It is still absolutely crucial for the investigation to establish what has happened to Ms Li between Friday evening and Tuesday morning.

“I am hoping this image of her distinctive car may jog people’s memories. Did you see her driving home that evening?

“I am even interested to know if you saw the car moving around or being driven by anyone else over the Bank Holiday weekend.

“We are also building a better picture of her lifestyle, interests and friends.

“We know that she was a reliable and hardworking nurse at Poole Hospital, who was popular with her colleagues, and also that she enjoyed outdoors activities, including climbing.

“However, since moving to the UK from China around a decade ago, she has also led quite a private personal life. I am keen to speak to anyone who knows her well and would reassure them they are not breaking any trust by speaking to us.”

Police said that Rui Li came to the UK from China with her daughter around 10 years ago and has worked as a nurse at Poole Hospital since April 2009.

She currently works in the Medical Investigations Unit. Her teenage daughter is now receiving close support from police Family Liaison Officers.

Rui’s colleagues from her team at Poole Hospital said in a statement: “Rui was a big character in our small close-knit team. Funny and so unique, she was totally reliable, professional and conscientious to a tee.

“She is terribly missed by all of us. Her nature was gentle and serene and that is part of the reason why we and the patients love her so much. If anybody knows anything please let the police know and help us find Rui.”

Extensive forensic investigations are ongoing at the three addresses at Burnham Drive at Queen’s Park and Wolverton Road and St Clement’s Road in Boscombe.

Detectives are also still questioning the 60-year-old Bournemouth man arrested on suspicion of murder in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Timekeeper or incident log 258 of 28 May.