MORE than four years after she was first reported missing, the inquest into the death of Gaia Pope will begin this week.

Ms Pope was reported missing on November 7, 2017 in Swanage. Following a police investigation and a public search, her body was found 11 days later less than a mile from where she was last seen.

The family of the 19-year-old have since raised concerns about the response of the relevant authorities, as well as the police handling of her going missing.

Starting on Tuesday, April 26 before Senior Coroner for Dorset Rachael Griffin, an 11-week inquest will examine issues surrounding her death.

The inquest will examine Ms Pope’s personal and medical history, her epilepsy treatment, the impact of a rape allegation on Ms Pope from 2015 onwards and her mental health.

It will also examine the events of November 7 to November 18, as well as relevant responses from Dorset Police.

The coroner and jury will hear evidence from Ms Pope’s family and professionals involved in her care.

Her family described her as bright, brave, kind, creative and loving.

In a joint statement, they said: "For four years we have been left with questions no grieving family should ever have to ask. Our hearts are shattered to have Gaia taken from us in this way.

“We need to know if more could have been done to protect Gaia and so does our community, who worked so tirelessly to find her. These are matters not just of our private grief, but of public concern.

“We hope the inquest will give Gaia the voice she so deserved in life and help save the lives of others in the future. As painful as it is for us, it's worth it if it leads to the positive change she wanted.”

Sarah Kellas, of Birnberg Peirce solicitors who represent the family, said: “Gaia’s family have waited four long years for this inquest to take place. It is hoped that they will now get the answers they so desperately need, and effect real change for the future.”

Deborah Coles, director of the charity INQUEST, said: “Gaia’s death raises serious questions about the response of authorities to women in crisis, which go far beyond her local area. We hope this inquest will deliver truth for this family, and inform change to prevent future deaths and harms against women.”