Search under way in Brodsworth Woodland
South Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent search in the Brodsworth Woodland area after detectives said a 17-year-old girl reported missing from Lowestoft may be in woods near Doncaster.
Officers say the teenager, named in police appeals as Rachel, disappeared from Lowestoft on 23 July and is believed to have travelled to Doncaster. Detectives now think she is in the vicinity of Long Lands Lane, close to Brodsworth Woodland.
The force has identified a 39-year-old man, Craig Clarkson, who they say has been travelling with the girl since her disappearance and is being treated as a wanted person in connection with the inquiry. Specialist search teams, uniformed officers and detectives have been deployed to the area.
“I want to start by making it very clear that Rachel is not in any sort of trouble with the police. We have become extremely concerned for her welfare and are working as hard as possible to find her and check that she is safe.”
The force released CCTV images showing the pair outside the Rose store in the Carcroft area of Doncaster on the morning of 23 July. Officers have asked anyone who recognises them, or who has information suggesting they have been in the area recently, to report it immediately.
What police are asking the public to do
- Call 999 immediately if you see Craig Clarkson or Rachel.
- Report any sightings or information to South Yorkshire Police if you think the pair have been in the Brodsworth Woodland or Carcroft area.
- Do not approach the wanted man; contact officers so trained teams can respond.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 23 July | Rachel reported missing from Lowestoft; pair last seen outside Rose store in Carcroft. |
| Following days | Police enquiries lead them to suspect the pair are in Brodsworth Woodland; Clarkson treated as wanted. |
| Current | Specialist search teams, uniformed officers and detectives are searching the woodland; CCTV images released. |
Detective Inspector Adam Watkinson of South Yorkshire Police has emphasised concern for the girl's welfare and urged anyone with relevant information to contact police. The force has stressed Rachel is not in trouble with officers and that their priority is ensuring her safety.
The appeal is likely to be of particular concern to people living close to Brodsworth Woodland and Long Lands Lane. If you live nearby, check outbuildings and any local CCTV footage you can share with police, and remain vigilant if you walk in the woodland.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Yorkshire Police immediately; if Craig Clarkson is seen, the force has asked members of the public to call 999 straight away.
