Police searching for a missing university student are trying to trace information on a car belonging to the man accused of her murder.

Shohfah-El Israel, 40, of Fordwych Road, north-west London is charged with the murder of Joy Morgan, a 21-year old midwifery student at the University of Hertfordshire.

Miss Morgan was last seen in Ilford, east London, on December 26, 2018 and her body has yet to be found.

Detectives investigating her murder have released a photo of a car they said belongs to Israel and issued an appeal for information.

The Honda car, which has been located, has a red body and black roof and bonnet.

Detective inspector Justine Jenkins, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire major crime unit, said: “We know that Joy used to travel in this vehicle which is highly distinctive and I am particularly interested to hear from anybody who saw this vehicle over the festive period and into the New Year.

“If you recall seeing the vehicle during this period please call us with the circumstances and location.”

Miss Morgan, described as slim, around 5ft 5in, with afro hair she regularly covers with a scarf, and glasses, has links to Ilford, Battersea, Cricklewood, Stevenage and Luton.

Joy Morgan missing
Joy Morgan (Hertfordshire Police/PA)

A online fundraising page set by a woman in the US to support Miss Morgan’s family has raised almost 14,000 dollars.

Rhoda Small, who is not related to the family, contacted Miss Morgan’s mother Carol to offer help covering legal, burial and other costs.

Miss Morgan’s cousin, Sharmain Morgan-Cyrus, 36, from Battersea, London, said: “We weren’t aware of how far it would go, we’re speechless.

“The motivation was for support and love for the family, she generally felt sympathy for not being able to find Joy.

“It was nice to see people wanted to help,” she said, thanking those who had donated.

Mrs Morgan-Cyrus said her family were “praying and hoping” for Joy to be found.

“Aunty Carol has always got hope that Joy will come through the door, like we all do.” she added.

“We just want this over and done with, bad or good, we just want peace of mind.

“Every day we wake up, get ready and come down to my aunt’s. We’re like zombies.”

Israel will next appear at St Albans Crown Court for a pre-trial preparation hearing on Friday May 31, with a trial set for Monday July 8.