Police search Horndean after receiving reports of a concern for welfare for a child

We have been searching the area near the Morrison’s on Lakesmere Road in Horndean this morning (April 15) after we received several reports from members of the public reporting their concern for a girl seen walking on her own in the area.

We received a number of calls just before 8am reporting a girl walking towards the A3.

The girl was described as aged between 6 and 11-years-old, white, with brown hair, and possibly wearing pink and purple clothing and carrying a rucksack, or several bags and blankets.

Due to the concern raised by the callers, we deployed to the area and have been carrying out a search as a precaution. At this time, we have not been able to locate her.

Inspector Dean Juster said: “There may be reasonable explanation as to why this girl was on her own in this area at this time, however we have been alerted by passers-by that they were concerned about her welfare and as such we would really like to identify this girl to check that she is safe and well.

“We have not received any reports of a missing child at this time, and the last sighting of this girl reported to us was just before 9am.

“If you recognise the description of this girl, please give us a call on 101 and quote reference 338 of today.”