### Urgent Appeal as Search Intensifies for Missing 22-Year-Old Woman Near Menai Suspension Bridge
Authorities in North Wales have intensified their search efforts for Gwenno Ephraim, a 22-year-old woman who has been missing for more than a week. The young woman, from the Bangor area, was last seen late on Monday, 28 July, and significant resources have since been mobilised to try and locate her. Police are appealing for information from several individuals who were in the area at the time, stressing their possible importance to the ongoing investigation.
Gwenno was last seen in upper Bangor, with CCTV footage capturing her walking alone towards the Menai Suspension Bridge between 10:20pm and 11:10pm on the night she disappeared. The following morning, personal items believed to belong to her were discovered on the bridge, raising concerns she may have entered the water below.
The Menai Strait and its surroundings have since become a focal point for extensive search operations. Emergency services, including HM Coastguard, an RNLI lifeboat crew, and a search and rescue helicopter, have all participated in combing the area. Despite their efforts, no trace of Gwenno has been found thus far, and her family are being supported as the investigation continues.
North Wales Police issued a public appeal for information, confirming that on the night of her disappearance, Gwenno was dressed in grey jogging bottoms, a grey hoodie, and black trainers. The appeal was renewed after reviewing further CCTV images, and police are now particularly keen to speak to a female pedestrian, a cyclist, and several drivers who were on the suspension bridge that night.
Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson explained, “Having analysed the surveillance footage, we are confident that Gwenno reached the Menai Suspension Bridge just before 11:10pm. The same footage also shows a female pedestrian crossing to the opposite side of the bridge at around the same time. We are eager for this individual to come forward, as she may be able to assist with our enquiries.”
The police have also highlighted their interest in identifying and speaking with the riders of a silver Audi TT, a black Skoda Octavia, and a grey BMW 116. These vehicles were observed travelling over the bridge in the relevant timeframe. Officers urge the drivers, along with any passengers or cyclists in the area that night, to reach out, as even minor details could prove crucial.
Community response so far has been supportive, with officers expressing gratitude for the information and assistance already provided by the public. However, they stress that Gwenno’s whereabouts remain unknown, and any information—no matter how small—could be significant.
The incident has cast a shadow over the region, particularly given the high-profile location of the Menai Suspension Bridge, a local landmark that connects Anglesey and mainland Wales. Public concern is heightened by the length of time Gwenno has been missing and the nature of the circumstances.
Anyone who may have observed unusual activity on the bridge or in its immediate vicinity late on 28 July is asked to come forward. North Wales Police can be contacted via their website or by phoning 101, referencing the investigation number iTrace 51505.
As the search continues, authorities remain determined to piece together Gwenno’s final movements and urge anyone who was in the area—particularly the highlighted pedestrians, drivers, and cyclist—to make contact swiftly. The combined efforts of local agencies and the public remain critical as the community hopes for answers in Gwenno’s disappearance.