Family appeal for help in finding missing Gabriella Montanez

That is the desperate plea from two anguished parents as the hunt continues for their daughter who has been missing for two months.

Gabriella Montanez, below,has not been seen since walking out of the family home in Southampton in the early hours of May 19 following an argument with her mum and dad.

Today they spoke exclusively to the Daily Echo of their heartache, their fears that she could be in serious danger and begged anyone who knows where she might be to come forward.

Detectives leading the search for the 25-year-old, familiarly known as Gaby, are investigating 12 different sightings of her across the south of England including London, Havant and Southampton.

But despite that and a team of officers carrying out inquiries locally, including house to house calls in the immediate neighbourhood where Gaby lives, so far it has proven fruitless.

Gaby, who is brunette and 5ft 2in, left her home with only the clothes she was wearing. She had no money, no bank card and left her passport behind.

Having only lived in the Shirley area of the city for seven months, when her parents came to England from their native Mexico to enable her father Martin to study for a PhD at Southampton University, she has no known friends or acquaintances.

She does speak good English with an American accent.

The family are due to fly home at the start of September – a plan that will be put in jeopardy until they find their daughter.

Gabby's parents Martin and Esther Montanez

Speaking at his home in Atherley Road, Shirley, dad Martin, 51, said: “We just want to know she is safe and sound but the longer Gaby is gone the more I feel she is in danger.

She is alone, she has no friends and she doesn’t know anyone. Of course we are very worried.”

During her time in Southampton Martin described how his daughter had become “very isolated” and would barely leave the small flat, instead choosing to spend her days watching television.

He said: “Gaby is bipolar and we brought her here with us last October because we didn’t want to leave her behind.

Lately she became depressed and stopped going anywhere, preferring to stay at home with her mother.”

Mum Esther, 51, added: “I am desperate and sad. Every time I wake, I am sad that Gaby is not here. I just want her to come back home.”

In an emotional plea directly to their daughter, the couple said: “Gaby, if you are reading this, please just come home. At least call and tell us or tell someone that you are safe.

We want you to come back with us to Mexico because your brother and sister and nephews really care for you and they are very worried.

“We miss you – at least send a message to say you are safe and sound.”

Details of Gaby’s disappearance have been repeatedly reported in the Daily Echo as well as on TV and on billboards across London in the hope that someone will recognise her and come forward.

Gabby with her parents

Detective Inspector Phil Scrase said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for Gabriela’s wellbeing and safety the longer she is away from home.

“She is in the UK temporarily and is not believed to have any friends or associates with whom she could have gone to stay. Gabriela also has bipolar disorder which potentially makes her very vulnerable.

“We have directed appeals at the homeless community and those who work with them in case Gabriella is sleeping rough, and also used the media in London to appeal for information in case she travelled there.

“We’ve had several reported sightings of Gabriella in Southampton and outside of the city but we haven’t been able to confirm that any of them were of her.

Det Insp Scrase added: “Gabby: if you are reading or hearing this then please get in touch with police and let us know you are okay. I understand you may not want to go home and that’s fine, but please let us know you are safe and well.”