Starving missing girl found by vigilant police officer in Doncaster as man arrested

A vulnerable girl who was left malnourished after going missing for three days was brought to safety and reunited with loved ones after a careful approach and pursuit by an officer who recognised her as missing.

The missing youngster was spotted in a distressed and unkempt state in Doncaster city centre, prompting PC Gwyneth Howroyd to reach out to her to ensure she could receive the help and support she needed.

After spotting the officer, the girl fled from the area, but PC Howroyd gave chase to catch up with her and when she did, she managed to calm the youngster down and gather full details of everything that happened to her while she was missing.

Sign up for newsletters from The Star

This formed part of what is known as a return home interview and required patience, compassion and sensitivity from PC Howroyd, who encouraged the girl to speak about what had happened to her while she was missing.

These interviews can be crucial in pinpointing reasons why young people go missing and if they were at risk during the time of their disappearance.

Thanks to PC Howroyd's work with the vulnerable victim and the information gathered, a man was arrested in connection with the young girl's disappearance.

She has since been reunited with loved ones and received appropriate safeguarding support and help.

PC Howroyd said: "There were significant concerns for the welfare of the missing girl given her age and other details that made her vulnerable.

"A lot of work and searches go into finding missing people and time really is of the essence so I knew that once I spotted her I had to convince her to open up and talk to me honestly and openly about what she'd gone through.

"Children who go missing often think they are going to end up in trouble so it was crucial I reassured the girl so that she knew I only had her best interests at heart.

"We were so relieved to find her given what she had been through while she was missing and I am pleased she is now getting the help and support that she needs."

If someone you know has gone missing, please report it by calling 101 or 999 if there is an immediate risk to that person or wider members of the public.