of four-year-old Chaona Woolridge, Police confirmed yesterday.

Since Chaona, who has Down's syndrome, disappeared from her Cove Valley Drive home on April 5, Police, with the help of residents and US Navy personnel, have combed the entire St. David's area.

On day three of the investigation Police went as far as expanding the search crew to more than 70 officers and cadets led by Supt. Campbell Simons. They extensively scoured St. David's including the coastline and caves.

So far only a pair of black shoes, believed to belong to Chaona, have been found.

But yesterday, Supt. Simons said Police are following up "every possibility'', including reports that Chaona was abducted by Satanic worshippers.

"We have conducted some inquiries which sort of suggested that,'' he told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"We have interviewed people who have said they have seen her and searched caves.

"As other people come forward with ideas we take them to the areas, including caves. With the view that we're trying to determine the whereabouts of this little girl, we are looking at every possibility.'' However, Supt. Simons said so far all reports linked to Satanism have proved negative.

Satanic worship is not a new activity in Bermuda.

In April 1989, this paper reported there could be as many as 12 Satanic covens in Bermuda, involving children aged 14 and up in a variety of rites including blood drinking, animal sacrifice and homosexual acts.

US reports have suggested that interest in Satanism has increased over the years, as have Satanic rituals such as the sacrifice of children during rituals.

Chaona was last seen by her parents, John and Donna Woolridge, at their home around 9.30 a.m. on April 5.

The Woolridges, who are Christians, were upstairs dressing for church when Chaona disappeared.

The three-foot five-inch tall, light-browned skinned girl was wearing a pale pink dress with a white print pattern, white stockings and black shoes.

Police, who are also interviewing child development professionals and those at the day care centre where Chaona attended to develop a proper evaluation of her, have said the investigation will remain open until a body is found.