‘Please come home sweetheart’: 23-year-old backpacker missing in Guatemala

"She has always been really good about keeping in touch."

The family of a British woman who disappeared in Guatemala this week have said that they are very concerned for her safety. Catherine Shaw, from Witney in Oxfordshire, was last seen on 4 March in the town of San Pedro where the was staying with a friend. She was reported missing the following day, according to BBC News. Authorities in Guatemala have launched a search for her. Ms Shaw, who is 23, had been travelling since September and previously visited California and Mexico on her trip. It is "unusual" for her not to be on contact with her parents, they said in a statement. They are desperately worried,  they added, and asked for the public's assistance in the search for her. "She has always been really good about keeping in touch and informing us of her whereabouts and activities," they said. "So this is unusual behaviour which gives us great concern for her safety. Please help us to find her." In a video posted to Twitter, they urged their daughter to get in contact.

Video appeal from the parents of Catherine Shaw, #missing in #SanPedro #Guatemala. Please RT especially if you are in the area. pic.twitter.com/fMMVnFjjLb

— Lucie Blackman Trust (@MissingAbroad) March 9, 2019

"Your friends, your family are all really worried about you, please come home sweetheart." Ms Shaw is described as being 5'7" in height and of a slim build. Members of her family are travelling to San Pedro to join the search, the Lucie Blackman Trust has said. The trust helps families of people who have gone missing abroad.