A KEW family were yesterday still waiting for news of their daughter who is believed to have been caught up in the terrorist attacks in London.

Former Surbiton High School pupil Emily Jenkins, 24, was last heard of at King's Cross St Pancras underground station at 8.45am last Thursday.

Five minutes later a device exploded on a Piccadilly line train heading towards Russell Square, along with two other devices on underground trains, one at Edgware Road and one between Liverpool Street and Aldgate.

Emily, a trainee midwife, has not been seen or heard of since and the Jenkins family are among dozens still waiting for news.

Her family, who live in Willow Cottages - mother Sarah, father Nicholas, brother Barnaby and half-brother James Bowles - have described Emily as "missing" and said it is "not in her character".

Mr Bowles said: "Her family and friends are beside themselves and need help to find her."

Family friend Humphrey Williams said: "Emily is a lovely girl, this is just awful."

David Morgan, head of sixth form at Surbiton High, was Emily's physics teacher. He said: "While at school Emily was incredibly personable, bubbly and very popular with staff and students alike.

"When she was at school she had plans to run her own restaurant.

"I am not surprised to hear she went into midwifery. She was really out-going and equally related easily to her peers and staff at the school."

He added: "People at the school who knew Emily are deeply upset to hear she has been caught up in these horrible and ghastly attacks.

"We are all thinking of her family at this difficult time."

Since the bombings Richmond Council has urged people to be vigilant. In a joint statement with the police they said: "Potentially suspect devices should be reported immediately to the authorities - council, police or transport workers.

"Despite the disruption we are resolute that life in Richmond upon Thames will continue as usual.

"The police are deploying additional staff locally to trains, stations and bus routes to enhance the level of security.

"The council is also deploying additional resources to assist the police in security operations and give support to any borough residents who may have been caught up in Thursday's events.

"We appeal to everyone in our community to co-operate with the authorities, pull together and remain calm in the coming weeks. It is by doing this that we will beat the criminals."

The people of Richmond proved they had taken the council's advice on board when a van left unattended on Wednesday morning caused the closure of the A316 by The Winning Post. Police reported that the driver returned ten minutes after the road closure and had been to the nearest garage as he had run out of petrol.

A two-minute silence took place yesterday at noon in memory of all those killed in the attack.

Bus drivers in Richmond upon Thames joined others throughout London in turning off their engines and paying tribute to those whose lives were so tragically cut short. Many Richmond workers paid tribute to the dead by stepping out of their offices and standing in silence.

Richmond councillors offered their condolences to those involved during a council meeting on Tuesday Cllr Tony Arbour, Leader of Richmond council, said: "This shows we are resilient and we can bounce back. Taking adversity in our stride is our strongest weapon and we are sure never to be blackmailed by these atrocities.

"Our hearts go out to all who have been directly affected but I know that in Richmond, as in London, we are proud to rise up in the face of adversity."

Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer paid tribute to the many local people who were in London during the bombing for their composure in the face of such a horrific event.

"All of us send our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones and friends. Our thoughts are with the injured. We have to express our thanks too, to the emergency services, many of whom come from this area, who behaved with heroism and efficiency."

Twickenham MP Dr Vincent Cable said that he planed to question the Prime Minister this week about the implications of the decision to switch 1,500 Met officers to the Gleneagles summit including terrorism specialists.

"I have also been asked to question ministers about why premium rate - 0845 and 0870 - numbers have been used for casualty help lines, penalising relatives of those who may be missing or injured. It is really a bit sick to take advantage of people in this way."