A 12-year-old girl who vanished from her home in Devon 10 days ago has been found safe and well almost 300 miles away in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Leona Peach, from Newton Abbot in south Devon, was last seen wearing flip-flops and a fur coat. Police were working on the theory that she might have travelled to north Devon where she has family connections.
But she was found at an address in Boston, and a 34-year-old man originally from Devon has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and kidnap.
A Devon and Cornwall police spokesperson said on Thursday: “Following an extensive policing operation, 12-year-old Leona Peach who was reported missing from Newton Abbot on the morning of Monday 20 December has been located safe and well.
“Aided by officers from Lincolnshire police and with support from Devon child services and Lincolnshire child services, units attended and undertook a search of an address near Boston this afternoon and located Leona. She will continue to be supported by specialist officers and child services.
“During the search police have arrested a 34-year-old man, originally from Devon, on suspicion of child abduction and kidnap. He is due to be transferred into police custody within Devon and Cornwall for questioning in due course. Officers would like to thank the public for their support.”
The police made several appeals for information about Leona and called on her to get in touch if she could. Officers became increasingly alarmed after she missed Christmas with her family, and her relatives were being supported by specialist officers.
Police have not revealed the identify of the man arrested but he is believed to have been known to Leona.
