US search for missing student

Geography student Jonathan Dorey, from Guernsey, was last seen on the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) campus in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on March 2.

Mr Dorey, known as Jonny, is a University of the West of England student on an exchange visit. He disappeared after attending a morning lecture. His mobile phone was turned off and his bicycle vanished, according to reports.

VCU is offering a USD5,000 reward for information which helps locate the missing student.

Mr Dorey's parents, Alan and Debbie Dorey, who have travelled to the USA, are heading searches for their son which have involved friends and the police.

Family friend Bob Beebe, who is acting as their spokesman, said that Mr Dorey was a keen mountain biker and the searches were focussing on popular cycling routes.

He said: "The police in the Richmond area yesterday completed a second full search of the Belle Isle area to effectively remove this from a possible sighting area. The area search was helped by friends and university students all keen to find the missing Guernseyman."

Describing Mr Dorey, he added: "Jonny is a self starter, a prolific mountain biker and all-round lovely guy. I've known him just about all his life and he relishes books on outdoor living and the world around him, this goes hand in hand with his mountain biking interest very well."

Mr Beebe said that Virginia police met with Mr Dorey's parents who told them that there were no new leads from electronic items belonging to their son.

Mr Beebe said: "The parents, although burdened with this heart-wrenching situation, are remaining focussed and positive in continuing the search for Jonny Dorey."