01 January 2024 , 10:23
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An arrest has been made after missing child Leah Mullins was abducted and taken to another country.
The vulnerable 14-year-old, who lived in Sherston in the Cotswolds, had gone missing two days before being found. She was reported missing on December 29 at around 7.30pm and may have been seen getting into a darkly-coloured estate car near a pub on the village high street.
According to Wiltshire Police, they were notified of Leah's discovery late Sunday from colleagues in a different country. In a statement, the force said: “We’re pleased to say that a teenager, who was reported missing from Sherston has been located. Leah Mullins, was this evening officers found at a property out of the county and she is now safely in police care. A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction.”
It comes just hours after her mum, Sarah, made a desperate appeal, asking her daughter to let her know she was safe. Sarah said: "Please come home, you're not in trouble. We all miss you, your brothers and sisters miss you. Just please let us know where you are."
She added that all she wanted to know if the youngster is okay. She said: "She's a kind, caring, loving little girl who loves to help with her brothers and sisters. Just a heart of gold really."
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Dozens of locals gathered yesterday to carry out a three-hour search for the missing teen. Police had said they were trying to track down a man who had been walking two small dogs at the time to get in touch.
Speaking before Leah was found, Detective Inspector Debbie Hatch said: 'We are getting increasingly concerned for Leah's safety. We would urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
Her mum Sarah raised the alarm and asked her to tell her where she was in an emotional appeal (BBC)'We would particularly like to speak to a man who was on Sherston High Street at around the same time Leah is thought to have got into a car. If this was you, please do get in touch, as we believe you may have information that could help us.
"We would also appeal to Leah; if you are reading this to get in touch with us straight away. You are not in any trouble. We just want to make sure that you are safe."
Police added that Leah is a "vulnerable child" and might appear confused or upset, and that she wasn't wearing a coat and her hair loose at the time.