Hunt for missing teenage girls with Dundee links 'at risk of harm'

Two teenage girls with links to Dundee have gone missing from their homes in south-east England and are believed to be at risk of harm.

Police Scotland is assisting officers from the Metropolitan Police in the search for a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old.

The Met Police said a 54-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. He was subsequently charged and is remanded in custody.

The 15-year-old was last seen on Friday, October 1 at her home in Canterbury, Kent, while the 16-year-old was last seen on Sunday, October 3 in Harrow, west London.

A high risk missing person investigation has been launched and officers say they are “pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in an effort to locate the two girls”.

In addition to London and Kent, they are believed to have links to Leicester and Dundee.

Detective chief inspector Tony Bellis, of the North West Public Protection Unit, said: “We are becoming increasingly concerned for the safety.

“While we are keeping an open mind as to their whereabouts, we believe they may have been taken outside London by people who could do them harm.

“I would also urge members of the public, particularly in London and Dundee, to come forward if they have any information that could help us.”

Anyone who sees the girls should call 999. Anyone with other information about their whereabouts should call 101, giving the reference CAD7399/06OCT.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org