The family of Leah Daley say they will be “forever grateful” to all who joined the search after she went missing.

An extensive hunt for the 24-year-old was launched after she disappeared on Sunday, May 5, having last been seen at The Warren on the coast between Folkestone and Dover.

The search was brought to a close yesterday following the discovery of a body in undergrowth at the coastal beauty spot, which Kent Police confirmed shortly after 3pm.

A vigil for Leah was held in Folkestone last night, with hundreds of mourners gathering at the town’s bandstand on The Leas to lay flowers and light candles in her memory.

Leah’s family has today told KentOnline of their gratitude for the way in which the local community has rallied together, both during the 12-day search and since the news of a body being found was announced yesterday.

They said: “We have been humbled by the response of Leah’s friends and the wider community.

“We want to thank everybody who participated in the searches for Leah and offered their own time and resources to help bring Leah home. We will be forever grateful to you all.

“We encourage everybody to continue Leah’s vigil not only to pray for her spirit but also to engage with one another and find some space to heal after what has been a traumatic week for us all.

“We especially want to thank the two members of the public who ultimately found Leah.

“Thank you all so much, and although we failed to bring Leah home alive, your endeavour and courage as a community has brought us a great deal of solace and we will remember it warmly. From all of Leah’s family, thank you all.”

Today, wellwishers have continued to gather at the bandstand to remember Leah.

Some have left flowers, and others have been seen relighting some of the scores of candles arranged around a photograph of Leah.

A card affixed to one of the bouquets reads: “Rest in peace Leah. Sending love and strength to all those who loved you.”

Confirming the discovery of a body at The Warren yesterday, a spokesman for Kent Police said: “A body has been found during a search for a missing woman from Folkestone.

“While formal identification has not yet taken place, the family of a 24-year-old woman who was reported missing from the town has been informed.”