Hundreds of mourners gathered at The Leas bandstand in Folkestone tonight to honour the memory of Leah Daley, whose body was tragically found earlier today, marking the sombre end to a 12-day search that gripped the community.
Leah Daley, a 24-year-old resident of Folkestone, was last seen at The Warren along the coast on Sunday, May 5. The subsequent search efforts, which included extensive police appeals, a dedicated Facebook group named Leah’s Search, and the widely shared hashtag #findleahdaley, mobilized the community in a unified effort to locate her.
However, today brought heartbreaking news as police confirmed the discovery of a body in undergrowth at The Warren, bringing the search to a devastating conclusion.
In response to the tragic news, scores of mourners assembled at The Leas bandstand this evening to pay their respects to Leah and support her grieving family. The candlelit vigil provided a poignant moment for the community to come together in remembrance of Leah, whose disappearance was described by her family as “totally out of character.
Candles flickered around the Victorian landmark as people laid flowers and left heartfelt tributes, creating a serene atmosphere of reflection and solidarity. Leah’s family expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the search, acknowledging the tireless efforts of friends, volunteers, and the broader community.
As the vigil unfolded, memories of Leah illuminated the bandstand, serving as a poignant reminder of the impact she had on those who knew her and the wider community she was a part of.
During the extensive search efforts, Leah’s family released a statement expressing their appreciation for the outpouring of support and assistance received, emphasizing the unity and solidarity demonstrated by Leah’s friends and the local community throughout the ordeal.
Leah’s last known whereabouts at The Warren, a cherished local beauty spot, became the focal point of the search efforts, underscoring the community’s determination to find answers and bring closure to her loved ones.
As the candles burned and tributes adorned the bandstand, Folkestone stood united in grief, honouring Leah’s memory and offering solace to those mourning her loss.
