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Met Police officers spoke to the student nurse Owami Davies, who has not been seen for six weeks, on the day her family reported her as a missing person, it has been revealed.

Ms Davies, who is studying nursing at King’s College London, left home in Grays, Essex on Monday, July 4, before last being seen in Croydon on Thursday, July 7.

Her family had reported her missing to Essex Police on July 6 - but the case was not handed over to the Met until July 23.

Now, it has emerged that Met Police officers spoke to Owami in Croydon on July 6 - but were unaware she was a missing person.

Owami Davies has been missing for almost six weeks

Watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into the matter.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we received a referral on Friday, August 5, from the Met Police in relation to contact officers had with Owami Davies in Croydon on July 6, after she had been reported missing to Essex Police.

“We are currently assessing the available information to determine what further action may be required.”

The Met said officers went to Clarendon Road, Croydon, for a welfare check on July 6.

Owami Davies, right, and the man, left, walking as the white van pulls out in Derby Road, West Croydon, on July 7. This was the last sighting of Owami and police are keen to speak to the van driver. Credit: Met Police

Paramedics were called, but the woman - later established to be Owami Davies - told them she did not want any help, and left.

The force's own professional standards body has said it will not investigate the officers involved but the IOPC requested the matter to be referred to them.

Scotland Yard said: “The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) were consulted and as there has been contact with police, the matter was referred to the IOPC.

“The officers are not subject to any current investigation by the DPS.

“The interaction recorded on the officers' body Worn video has been viewed by members of the Independent Advisory Group and Owami's family to ensure openness and transparency.”

Five people have been arrested in connection with enquiries, but have since been bailed.

The Met appealed again last week, saying Owami may be in Croydon and "in need of help".

On Thursday, the British Transport Police tweeted she could still regularly be taking trains, may appear dazed or confused and may be seeking to engage with women travelling alone.

Owami Davies: Met Police spoke to student nurse on day family reported her missing