Vitoria Figueiredo-Barreto, originally from Brazil, was last seen at the University of Essex last week – but vanished after boarding a local bus, with her possessions later found in the street

Police have released CCTV footage in their urgent search for a woman who boarded a bus before she mysteriously vanished a week ago.

Fears continue to grow for Vitoria Figueiredo-Barreto, originally from Brazil, who was last seen at the University of Essex campus on March 3. The 30-year-old psychologist was captured on CCTV boarding a local bus and arriving in Brightlingsea at 2.30pm.

An urgent search for the psychology student is ongoing. Police say they are “very concerned” over Vitoria’s sudden disappearance, which came while she was on a trip to the UK to see whether she wanted to start a doctorate.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Vitoria is understood to have been staying with a female friend in Colchester, Essex. During her time in the UK, she had been reportedly been taking part in some research and academic training activities at the University of Essex.

Her possessions were found by a member of the public on Copperas Road yesterday afternoon.

Vitoria’s friend, Liliane Silva, said she had planned to work on a project at the university library before vanishing. The two had also planned to explore Cambridge together over the weekend. “In our opinion, she got [the bus] on the wrong side of the road, the Brazilian side,” Liliane said.

“It’s hard to eat, it’s hard to sleep. It’s hard to think at all. We know she is probably not in a good place. Probably worried out of her mind, upset, struggling.

“We don’t know really why and we don’t want to judge it now, we just want her with us. It was never her behaviour which is why we are so scared. Please help us to find this amazing person who makes such a huge difference in this world.”

Essex Police have said they are determined to do all they can to find Vitoria. Detective Superintendent Anna Granger said: “Whilst this is a very significant police investigation, at its heart is a missing daughter, partner and friend who is clearly loved.

“Each officer who is a part of this search is determined to do all we can to find Vitoria. To date, our work has focused on CCTV review and we’ve been able to track her movements, firstly, on the bus from Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea and, secondly, in Hurst Green when she exits the bus.

Vitoria Figueiredo-Barreto ( 

Essex Police)

“The discovery of her shoulder bag close to Copperas Road is of course now a focus for us and each search group is working diligently, covering the ground with careful attention to detail, ensuring that no potential lead is overlooked.”

Detective Supt Granger added: “I would also like to continue to appeal to the Brightlingsea community. Have you seen Vitoria? Have you checked your CCTV? Even the smallest bit of information can be significant. And finally, to Vitoria’s loved ones – I promise we are doing all we can to find her.”

Police have asked anyone with information to call 999 as soon as possible, quoting incident 622 of 4 March.