The mother of the missing student Libby Squire has said her daughter actually made it home on Thursday night as the search for her entered its third day.
Police had previously suggested the 21-year-old had got out of a late-night taxi close to her student house in Hull.
But in a Facebook post, mum Lisa Squire claimed the philosophy student – who had been on a night out with friends – had arrived back at her digs before her disappearance.
“She got out of the taxi at her house. She was home... simple,” she wrote.
More than 200 volunteers have joined 70 police and the Hull Coastguard Rescue Team searching the city for her over the weekend.
Thanking them, Mrs Squire wrote: “A massive thank you to all the fantastic students who turned out to search.”
She added the disappearance was “very out of character” and the family were “broken without her”.
TheUniversity of Hull student was last seen by friends getting into the taxi outside the Welly Club, in the city’s Beverley Road area, at about 11pm on Thursday.
Humberside Police have said officers believed she got out of the cab near her home in Wellesley Avenue, and was then helped by a motorist who pulled over after seeing her on the street.
The force said the man had “really helped out” with the search. But it added that CCTV footage had then captured Miss Squire back in Beverley Road, near to the junction with Hayworth Street, at about 11.45pm.
Friends have said the student did not have her phone on her during the night.
Officers have urged people living in the area to check their gardens and outbuildings in case she had taken shelter.
Anyone who was driving around the area at the time and has dashcam footage has also been asked to come forward.
Ryan Tweddell, a student who helped organise volunteer searchers, said: “We can’t believe the community came out in the numbers they did – it just shows how much people care.
“Libby is a loving, down-to-earth, typical, normal student. She is hardworking, helps everyone who needs it and is a lovely, brilliant girl.”
In a statement, the University of Hull said: “We are working closely with Humberside Police to support their search for Libby and offering support to Libby’s family at this distressing time.”
Miss Squire is described as 5ft 7in tall with long dark brown hair. She was wearing a black leather jacket, black long-sleeved top and a black denim skirt with lace.
