Missing US schoolgirl found

A 15-year-old schoolgirl who fled to Britain from her home in America was found safe and well today, police said.

Jing Wen Chen was found by police at a hotel near Loch Ness in Scotland after responding to an e-mail sent by Sussex Police this morning.

She ran away from her home in Rolla, Missouri, and then took several flights around America before boarding a transatlantic jet to Gatwick.

At a press conference today, detectives admitted that the teenager had given them "the slip" after evading detection.

Her mother Sharon, 40, said she believed her daughter had fled home following a row over how late she was allowed to surf the internet and because she was stressed over her studies.

Sharon, who is expected to be reunited with Jing Wen tonight, said: "I have been so terribly worried about her. When I see her I will not be angry. I will give her a big hug and tell her I love her."

Jing Wen had been communicating with a 15-year-old boy on the internet. The boy, who lives in South Carolina, had tried to dissuade her from leaving America.