Appeal over Peckham schoolgirl witnessed being followed walking alone at midnight

Police are appealing for witnesses in response to a concern for the welfare of a child in Southwark.

Just before midnight on Monday, 17 September, members of the public called police after seeing a girl, believed to be aged approximately eight years old, walking along Asylum Road, Peckham.

Officers attended, but the girl could not be located.

She is described as a young, dark-skinned girl who had her hair in a pony tail. She was also believed to be wearing a school uniform and had a rucksack on her back.

Witnesses also reported seeing two men walking down the same road shortly after the girl had, and officers are keen to identify them to eliminate them from their enquiries. They are both described as Asian men.

Detective Inspector Dean Purvis said: “I would like to stress that there is no evidence that a crime has occurred and there have been no reports of any missing children. We need to identify the girl and make sure that she is ok.

“It is not clear if the two males seen in the area are known to the young girl. However, I need to trace them as they may hold vital information to help us.

“I would urge anyone with any information to contact us and be assured we will treat information with strictest confidence.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Southwark CID via 101 or Crimestoppers and mention CAD 8754/17SEP18