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The heartbroken father of a student who has been missing for 15 years has appealed for those who know what happened to his daughter to come forward.

Iwona Kaminska vanished in July 2000, just four days after arriving in England from Poland.

More than a decade on, police now fear she may have been kidnapped and murdered.

Aged 20 at the time, cold case cops from the Metropolitan Police have offered a £10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution for whoever is responsible for her disappearance or murder.

In an emotional appeal launched on what would have been Ms Kaminska's 36th birthday, her devastated family said they had "endured 15 years of heartache" and urged anyone with information to come forward.

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Speaking from his home town in Moliborzyce, Poland, her "devoted" father, Jan Kaminski; said: "Iwona was excited to be visiting London to see friends and improve her English language.

(Image: PA)

"She was in constant contact with her family and adored her brother and sister.

"No contact from Iwona was out of character and we instantly knew something had happened to her.

"Someone took her from us all those years ago and we need answers to move forward with our lives.

"Today is Iwona's birthday and she should be celebrating turning 36. Instead of celebrating we have spent 15 years longing to hear from our lovely daughter."

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According to police Ms Kaminska arrived in London on 9 July 2000, for what was her first visit to the country.

She planned to tour the city to improve her English and quickly found a job at a Polish-owned business in Hammersmith, west London.

In the days before her disappearance she had been lodging with a friend near the Arndale Centre in Wandsworth, south west London.

(Image: PA)

She was seen on CCTV leaving for work on the morning of 13 July 2000, and spent the day packing drinking glasses.

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In the days before, Ms Kaminska had left work at 5pm and was due to meet her friend in Wandsworth at 7pm on the day she vanished.

It is thought her route home would have taken her from her workplace on King Street, Hammersmith, to Hammersmith bus station where she would usually have taken the 220 bus to the Arndale Centre in Wandsworth.

At the time Ms Kaminska was described as being white, 5ft 2in tall, with light-brown, curly shoulder-length hair. She was of slim build and was last seen wearing dark-coloured trousers, black shoes and a dark green knee-length jacket and carrying a small black leather handbag.

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When she still had not come home the next morning her friend reported her missing.

There have been several appeals for information since Ms Kaminska's disappearance.

Detective Constable Nicola Williams, of the Met's Special Casework Investigation Team, who is leading the inquiry, said: "After 15 years we have no choice but to fear the worst for Iwona.

"We hope the reward of £10,000 and the courageous words of Iwona's family will urge someone with that last vital clue will speak to us."