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Police hunt for missing teenager Missing girl search scaled down
(about 2 hours later)
Police officers and rescue teams are searching for a teenage girl in a distressed state missing in Devon. Police officers and rescue teams in Devon have scaled down their search for a teenage girl who seen in a distressed state just before she disappeared.
The search, involving about 90 people, is centred on an area round the River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, in Dartmoor National Park. The search, involving 130 people, was centred on an area around the River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, in Dartmoor National Park.
The alarm was raised by a member of the public who saw the girl, aged about 15, on Thursday. The alarm was raised by a member of staff at the park who saw the girl, aged about 14 or 15, on Thursday.
Police dogs, a helicopter and members of the Dartmoor Rescue Group are taking part in the search. Police said that no-one had been reported as missing from home.
Steep terrain 'Credible report'
Group controller, Robert Illman, said they were being hampered by the extent of the woodland and steepness of the terrain. Ninety police officers, police dogs, a helicopter and 40 members of Dartmoor Rescue Group took part in the search, after the alarm was raised at about 1330 GMT on Thursday.
The girl is described as having long blond hair, wearing blue shorts, a white vest and light-coloured trainers. Police said on Friday there may be an innocent explanation for the sighting.
The alarm was raised at about 1330 GMT on Thursday. However, Ch Insp Dave Sumner of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "It was a credible report and sufficient for us to respond promptly and conduct a thorough search."
Ch Insp Dave Sumner of Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We are appealing for anyone with any sightings or information to contact the police immediately. Searchers were hampered by the extent of the woodland and steepness of the terrain.
"If you were in the area at the time the girl was first seen please get in touch. The alarm was raised by a member of staff at the country park
"We are also very keen to hear from anyone who can provide a genuine explanation for the sighting. Officers do not now believe there is anyone missing in the area for them to be concerned about, but are continuing local inquiries.
Ch Insp Sumner said: "We are also very keen to hear from anyone who can provide a genuine explanation for the sighting.
"If you know of a party happening in the area, or an event taking place around the time of the incident, contact the police.""If you know of a party happening in the area, or an event taking place around the time of the incident, contact the police."
The girl was described as having long blond hair, wearing blue shorts, a white vest and light-coloured trainers.