Dad pleads for help over missing daughter

The dad of a woman who has been missing for almost four months has appealed for anyone with information about her disappearance to come forward, saying "I miss her every day she's not here".

Katie Love, 48, from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, was reported missing by her family on 23 February.

A 48-year-old man and a 49-year-old from Nuneaton, who were arrested on suspicion of murder following her disappearance, have since been released on bail, while a second 49-year-old man from the town was released under investigation, Warwickshire Police said.

In a direct plea for information, Love's dad said: "No matter how old she gets, Katie will always be my little girl."

The 48-year-old, who had a passion for animals that led to her working in kennels, also left behind her three cats Melly, Shelly and Badger, he said, in a statement released through the force, in which his name was not given.

Love was described as "strong, affectionate and loving" and "fiercely independent" with "so much love to give".

"She adores those cats and I know she wouldn't have left them without good reason," her dad added.

"She's always been a caring person, and you could see that from the way she looks after them."

He said her absence was also felt at home and the house was "quieter".

His daughter was the first to support him in times of illness with hospital visits or helping at home, he explained.

"I still feel like she's going to come back and I think about her constantly," he said.

"The other day, I could have sworn she was standing next to me in the living room, smiling. I dream about her all the time, but then you wake up and she's still not here."

The charity Crimestoppers is continuing to offer a reward of up to £1,000 for information that leads to Love, who has connections to Skegness but is also known across the Nuneaton, Hartshill and Kingsbury areas of Warwickshire, being found.

Police said she was last seen wearing a long, light-brown coloured puffer jacket, boots and a tracksuit.

Officers have carried out searches, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage and have spoken with Love's friends and family as the investigation continues.

Her dad said he remained hopeful answers could be found.

"If anyone knows anything, please come forward. Help us find out where she is and what's happened," he said.

"Katie's missed more than words can say and I just want her home."

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