Police in Doncaster have confirmed that a 17-year-old girl reported missing from the Lowestoft area has been found safe after being located in woodland near the city at the weekend. A 39-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody as enquiries continue.
Searches in Brodsworth and Carcroft
South Yorkshire Police said officers carried out extensive searches of Brodsworth Woodland, close to the A1(M), after reports that the teenager and a man in his 30s had been seen in the Carcroft area. They were located on Sunday, having last been reported missing five days earlier.
The missing girl, named locally as Rachel, had been reported to Suffolk Constabulary after last being seen in Airey Close, Oulton Broad, at about 11.30pm on Wednesday, 22 July. Descriptions circulated by policing partners said she was white, of small build, with ginger hair and blonde streaks.
“We’re pleased to confirm that Rachel, who was reported missing from Suffolk and believed to be in Doncaster, has been found and is safe with officers,”
South Yorkshire Police added that a 39-year-old man has been arrested and is being questioned as part of the investigation. Suffolk Constabulary likewise confirmed Rachel was reported missing on Wednesday, 22 July, and was found in South Yorkshire on Sunday, 26 July.
Practical local impact and what happened next
The search activity brought officers into woodland on the outskirts of Doncaster and into residential parts of Carcroft while enquiries were under way. Local people who spotted an increased police presence were advised to allow officers space to conduct their inquiries.
- Last known location: Airey Close, Oulton Broad — c. 11.30pm, 22 July
- Found: Brodsworth Woodland / Carcroft area — Sunday, 26 July
- Arrest: 39-year-old man in custody with enquiries ongoing
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 22 July | Reported missing | Airey Close, Oulton Broad (Suffolk) |
| 26 July | Located and safeguarded by officers | Brodsworth Woodland / Carcroft (Doncaster) |
At this stage police have not released further details about the circumstances that led Rachel to be in Doncaster woodland or the exact reason for the man’s arrest. Both South Yorkshire Police and Suffolk Constabulary are continuing their enquiries and are likely to liaise as the investigation progresses.
Anyone with information that could help officers is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police. For those who may be worried about a missing child or young person, local support services and the police can provide advice and guidance on welfare checks and reporting concerns.
This account is based on statements from South Yorkshire Police and Suffolk Constabulary released following the incident. No further personal details have been disclosed by police while enquiries remain ongoing.
