There has been a major development in the search for a missing Leeds teenager as new CCTV footage comes to light.
About 100 police officers from West Yorkshire Police carried out a huge search of Gledhow Valley Woods after she was reported missing by her family.
But the search was abruptly concluded yesterday at about 5.30pm when detectives received "new information".
Today, the force has revealed that was CCTV footage of Rawan catching a train from Leeds central station to Oxford, via Birmingham on Sunday.
In a statement issued today, a force spokesman said: "A teenage girl who has gone missing from home in Leeds is now known to have caught a train from the city.
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"Police enquiries have now shown that Rawan Hussain, aged 16, from Chapel Allerton, caught a train from Leeds central station at about 9am on Sunday morning (26/4) bound for Oxford via Birmingham.
"Detectives have confirmed she got off the train in Birmingham but are still trying to establish if she caught the connecting service to Oxford."
Despite the new development bringing hope, officers say they are still very concerned for the young girl's safety and have continued their appeals for information.
Detective Inspector Richard Holmes, of Leeds District CID, said: “We remain very concerned for Rawan’s welfare and urgently need to find her and make sure she is safe.
“Our enquiries now show she travelled from Leeds by train bound for Oxford via Birmingham, and we are keen to hear from anyone who has seen her in either or those areas or anywhere else.
“We are continuing to support her family who are understandably anxious for her to be found safe and well.”
Rawan is described as Asian, 4ft 9ins tall, medium build, with curly dark brown hair.
She was reported missing from her home in Chapel Allerton at 1pm on Sunday after last being seen there at about 5am that day.
Anyone who has seen Rawan or who has any information that could assist in tracing her is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting reference 13200207175 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
