Missing girl, 13, cousin of British Olympian found safe after Christmas disappearance
The teenager was found after multiple appeals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 13-year-old girl missing for almost a week over Christmas has been found safe, police have said.
Lyla Lake, from Basingstoke in Hampshire, is the cousin of British Olympic high jumper Morgan Lake. She had been missing since Wednesday 21 December.
Police had renewed an appeal for information on Tuesday, releasing CCTV footage of her in Reading train station from the evening she went missing.
Hours later, Hampshire Police said the teenager, who also goes by Lyla-Jane, had been “found safe”.
“Thank you to everyone who shared our appeals and contacted us with information,” the force added.
On Christmas Eve Lyla’s cousin, Morgan Lake, had appealed for anyone who may know something to come forward.
“My 13-year-old cousin Lyla-Jane Lake has been missing for 3 nights now. Last seen in Basingstoke at around 9pm on Wednesday night. Police are involved but if anyone has any information please contact me,” she wrote alongside a photograph of her relative.
Her father Nathan Lake had said his daughter was always either at home or out with the family, and would “always keep us updated on when she changes location.”
Mr Lake said the family has been left “distraught” by her going missing telling broadcasters “we just want Lyla back home.”
“We love her and miss her so much. Our extended family is so huge and yet none of us have had to experience a feeling like this before.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Lyla's father Nathan made a direct appeal to his daughter to come home, saying in a video posted online: “Daddy loves you so much.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments