Girl, 13, found ‘safe and well’ by police as three bailed after kidnap arrests

The findings of the first part of the inquiry cover the actions of a Metropolitan Police unit between 1968 to 1982 (Sean Dempsey/PA)
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A missing teenage girl who travelled from Barnsley by train before vanishing at a London house party has been found “safe and well” by police.

Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing by her “desperately worried” family after she disappeared just after midnight on Sunday.

Police said she was in the company of an older male in an appeal released on Wednesday.

Three men, all aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of kidnap on Tuesday.

A fourth man was also arrested but no further details were given.

One man remains in custody and the other three have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Scotland Yard said Carmelle was found in the London area.

Lambeth borough police tweeted: “We’re delighted to say that 13-year-old Carmelle Hepi has been found safe and well. This was a complex and fast-paced inquiry by specialist detectives.

“We would like to thank everyone who supported our appeals.”

Met detectives established that she left Barnsley station on a train to London Kings Cross St Pancras arriving at 6.09pm on Saturday.

It is believed she then attended a birthday party with fellow teenagers in Watling Street, Peckham before leaving with another group in a car at 11pm.

Police believe she has also visited addresses in Croydon, Lewisham and Purfleet in Essex.

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