Carmelle Hepi missing: Schoolgirl, 13, vanishes after travelling 175 miles to London party
Three men have been arrested for kidnap in connection with the disappearance of a schoolgirl who vanished after travelling 175 miles to a London party.
Carmelle Hepi, 13, was reported missing from home in Barnsley after midnight on Sunday.
Detectives believed she travelled down to London by train on Saturday and attended a birthday party in Watling Street, Peckham, that evening.
It is believed she left with another group of people in a car at around 11pm and later attended addresses in Croydon, Lewisham and Purfleet in Essex.
Police believe she may be in the company of an older male.
Carmelle Hepi, 13, is #missing from #Barnsley & is believed to have travelled to #Peckham#Lewisham & #Croydon
Detectives are very concerned for her welfare. If seen call 999 immediately, or to give info as to where she is call 101 ref CAD 3258/25JUN23.https://t.co/vUkXPoNuSJpic.twitter.com/x0qd7rt46q— Southwark Police | Central South BCU (@MPSSouthwark) June 28, 2023
While police don't believe she has come to serious harm, the investigation is being led by detectives from the Met's specialist crime team.
Three males, all aged in their 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remain in custody, the force said.
Police believe she was photographed in a car in the Peckham area on Sunday.
They have also released CCTV footage showing her entering the Primark in High Street, Croydon at around 4.45pm later that day before leaving at around 5.05pm.
It shows her in the pink and white jacket police believe she may be wearing now.
A Met spokesman said: "Officers are in regular contact with Carmelle's family in Barnsley and have spoken to the people who were at the party.
"Officers believe Carmelle may now be in the company of an older male. It is not known yet where they might be."
Detective chief inspector Chris Wood issued a direct appeal to the teenager, asking her to get in contact by calling 999 or going to a police station.
He added: "Carmelle, I want you to know that you are not in any trouble whatsoever.
"Our one and only focus is making sure that you are safe and well."
DCI Wood said: "Your family are desperately worried about you and while we're supporting them as best we can, they need to know that you're OK and to come home.”
He also appealed to her friends and other members of the public for help.
DCI Wood confirmed police had spoken to multiple people, searched several houses and inspected CCTV as they continued to look for Carmelle.
Police said any immediate sightings should be reported via 999.
