Laptop found in search for missing Brazilian academic in Essex

A laptop that police believe belongs to a missing Brazilian academic in Essex has been found.

Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto, 30, has not been in touch with loved ones since 3 March after meeting a friend at Essex University in Colchester, before she was reported missing the following day.

Ms Barreto made a 30-minute bus journey from Wivenhoe to the coastal town of Brightlingsea.

Officers said a person believed to be Ms Barreto was seen on CCTV, apparently jumping over a fence into a boatyard, shortly after midnight on 4 March.

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Essex Police have since said a laptop they believe belongs to the psychologist was found in Brightlingsea on Saturday.

They added they were "exploring the possibility of Vitoria having taken a boat from a pontoon in Brightlingsea".

That boat was found on a drift in the water close to Bradwell-on-Sea, police said.

The force added they were "aware of a number of reported potential sightings of Vitoria in the Bradwell area".

An orange, horse-shoe shaped buoyancy aid from the vessel also appears to be missing, they added.

Her loved ones are urging the Brazilian community in Essex to display Brazil flags to attract her attention and create a "safe and welcoming space for her".

'We're working around the clock'

Detective Superintendent Anna Granger said: "I am a mum myself and I cannot even begin to imagine the pain Vitoria's mother, Gleyz, has experienced since Vitoria's disappearance.

"Every single officer, staff member and volunteer involved in this search would love nothing more than to reunite Vitoria with her mum - and we're working around the clock to do that."

People can report sightings, CCTV information or any details which could be important to police by calling 999.

(c) Sky News 2026: Laptop found in search for missing Brazilian academic in Essex