This is the moment a missing teenager from Barnsley is caught on camera visiting a Primark in south London as three men are arrested for her kidnap.
Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing by her “desperately worried” family after she vanished from a party in London just after midnight on Sunday.
Met detectives quickly established that left Barnsley station on a train to London Kings Cross St Pancras arriving at 6.09pm on Saturday.
It is believed she then attended a birthday party with fellow teenagers in Watling Street, Peckham before leaving with another group in a car at 11pm.
Police believe she has also visited addresses in Croydon, Lewisham and Purfleet in Essex.
Officers say Carmelle may now be in the company of an older male. It is not known yet where they might be.
A Met spokesman said: “Officers are in regular contact with Carmelle’s family in Barnsley and have spoken to the people who were at the party.
“While there is no information at this time to suggest that Carmelle has come to serious harm, due to her age, vulnerabilities, and concerns around who she may be associating with, the investigation to locate her is being led by detectives from Specialist Crime.
“Three males, all aged in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap. All remain in custody at this time.”
CCTV captured the teenager walking into the Primark in High Street, Croydon on her own at around 4.45pm on Sunday before leaving at around 5.05pm.
She is caught wearing a pink and white jacket police believe she will still be wearing now.
Investigating officer DCI Chris Wood said: “Carmelle, I want you to know that you are not in any trouble whatsoever. Our one and only focus is making sure that you are safe and well.
“Please call 999 and speak to us, or go to a police station, and we will get you back home safely.
“Your family are desperately worried about you and while we’re supporting them as best we can, they need to know that you’re OK and to come home. They cannot rest until you’re back with them.”
DCI Wood added: “If you have seen Carmelle, or you know her and have information about where she is or has been, it is imperative that you contact us.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a friend who has heard or seen something in passing - you won’t be in trouble. What matters is that you contact as you could have significant information to help us find a missing teenage girl.”
