Police thank public after 15-year-old Elodie located following appeal
A missing Hampshire teenager who sparked a major police search has been found safe, officers confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.
Elodie, 15, who also goes by the name ‘Wren’, was located after being missing for three days from her home in Hedge End. Hampshire Police thanked members of the public who assisted with the search and shared their appeal.
The teenager was last seen at Fareham train station at approximately 9.30am on Sunday, 13 July, sparking concerns for her welfare when she failed to return home.
Police had issued an urgent appeal on Tuesday, stating they believed the teenager may have travelled to the Plymouth area in Devon. The force released a detailed description and photograph as part of their efforts to trace her whereabouts.
We are pleased to confirm that Elodie has been found safe,” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said. “We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal and provided information during the search.”
The force did not release details about where or when exactly the teenager was found, citing privacy concerns for the minor.
During the three-day search, officers had described Elodie as white, approximately 5ft 7in tall with a slim build and dark brown hair with blonde roots styled in a short bob. She was last seen wearing a grey vest top, black cycle shorts and black Reebok trainers.
The teenager was carrying a distinctive white Hello Kitty bag and wearing two black hair clips when she disappeared from Fareham station on Sunday morning.
Hampshire Police had urged anyone with information to call 999 immediately, providing reference number 44250312072 for the case.
Missing person cases involving teenagers often generate significant public concern and police resources. According to the charity Missing People, someone is reported missing every 90 seconds in the UK, with young people aged 15-17 representing a significant proportion of cases.
The successful resolution of Elodie’s case highlights the importance of swift police action and public cooperation in missing person investigations. Social media appeals and traditional media coverage played a crucial role in spreading awareness of the search.
Police typically prioritise cases involving vulnerable individuals, including children and teenagers, deploying significant resources to ensure their safe return. The involvement of British Transport Police is common when missing persons are last seen at railway stations.
Fareham train station, where Elodie was last spotted, serves as a key transport hub in Hampshire with regular services to London, Portsmouth and Southampton. The station’s CCTV network often proves valuable in missing person investigations.
The case drew particular attention due to concerns that the teenager might have travelled considerable distance to Plymouth, approximately 150 miles from her Hampshire home. Cross-county searches require coordination between multiple police forces.
Hampshire Police regularly deal with missing person reports, with the force area covering a population of nearly two million people across cities, towns and rural communities. The county’s extensive transport links can complicate search efforts.
While the outcome in Elodie’s case was positive, police continue to urge parents and guardians to maintain open communication with teenagers and to report any concerns promptly. Early reporting significantly increases the chances of a safe resolution.
The force has not indicated whether any further action will be taken or if there are any safeguarding concerns following Elodie’s return. Standard procedure typically involves welfare checks and support services being offered to young people who have been reported missing.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the effectiveness of public appeals in locating missing individuals. Hampshire Police credited the public’s assistance as instrumental in achieving the positive outcome.
For families experiencing similar situations, support is available through the charity Missing People, which operates a 24-hour helpline and provides resources for those affected by disappearances.
The relief felt by Elodie’s family and friends following her safe return cannot be overstated, marking the end of what would have been an extremely distressing period for all involved.
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