Missing schoolgirl found safe and well in Belfast - 18-year-old arrested

Q Radio News

A child rescue alert has been stood down after a 14-year-old girl was located safe and well.

An 18 year-old male has been arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland and is currently in custody.

Svetlana Murphy was found in the Belfast area after going missing on Monday.

Gardai had issued a Child Rescue Ireland Alert on Wednesday night, fearing for her safety and welfare. 

The teenagers was kept in safe custody of the PSNI after she was located and was set to be reunited with her family on Thursday night, Gardai said in a statement.

The PSNI also issued a statement:

PSNI: Following a Child Rescue Ireland Alert issued by An Garda Siochana, 14 year old Svetlana Murphy has been found safe and well by police. An 18 year old man has been arrested and is assisting police with enquiries. Thank you all for your assistance with this investigation. pic.twitter.com/HKqrlmYWBK

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) April 22, 2021

Gardai have appealed that the privacy of the family be respected at this time.

“We would like to thank the public, media and other agencies for assistance provided during this alert. No further media action is required at this time” their statement read.

The alert was triggered earlier in the week due to concerns of an “immediate and serious risk to the health or welfare” of the 14-year-old.