THE anguished parents of a missing Korean woman today issued a desperate appeal to the people of York for help in tracing their daughter.

Speaking as police issued CCTV footage taken just before In Hea Song paid a mystery 12-hour visit to York, Gilyong and Nyoungok Song told of their heartache since she disappeared in December.

"We miss In Hea Song so much," they said.

"Ever since her disappearance, our family and friends have been waiting for news of her whereabouts and long for her to return to us.

"It's hard to imagine what it is like to lose someone you love.

"We desperately need help in tracing our daughter, and if anybody knows anything about In Hea please let us know or speak to the police."

The CCTV footage shows In Hea Song withdrawing money from a cashpoint machine at Victoria Coach Station, London, at 10.10pm on November 16.

Minutes later, she boarded a coach for York, arriving here at 4.10 am on Saturday, November 17, and then spending 12 hours in the city before returning to London. Police have no idea what she did while she was here. Three weeks later she went missing from her London home.

She was wearing a light-coloured three-quarter-length coat, jeans, Adidas trainers and a hat while in York, and was carrying a satchel-type bag.

Detective Chief Inspector Vic Rae, leading the inquiry, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may know why she visited the city and what she did while there."

He said it was possible she had used a taxi, or visited shops, pubs, cafes, museums, galleries or other tourist attractions.

He appealed for any businesses with CCTV cameras covering their premises and which still had the tapes from November 17, to pass them on to police for them to view them.

"Someone in York may just be able to provide the vital clue in this inquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 020 8345 4379.

Updated: 11:33 Thursday, February 07, 2002