Man with missing teenage girl found and arrested

A 14-year-old girl who went missing with a convicted fraudster has been found.

Lorna Vickerage was found near Euston station in central London, with family friend John Bush, 35, who was arrested, South Yorkshire Police said.

A spokesman said the pair were spotted by an off-duty police officer at 2.35pm.

The news follows a nationwide police operation which began on Monday when Lorna disappeared from her home near Doncaster.

Police said she had been spotted with Bush, who has been described as an accomplished and professional fraudster, in Doncaster, then Leicestershire and then Hertfordshire.

Earlier today, Lorna’s mother, Christine Vickerage, made an emotional plea for her daughter’s safe return.

Speaking outside Doncaster police station, she said: “John, if you’re watching this, fetch our Lorna home. Lorna – you’re in no trouble. Just come home, sweetheart.”

Detectives said Lorna and Bush had been spotted in Watford last night.

The pair tried to check into a hotel in the Hertfordshire town at 11pm but the card Bush wanted to use was declined, police said.

The investigation had already shifted to Leicestershire and a Ford Mondeo the pair are believed to have been using was recovered near a hotel in Leicester.

Speaking alongside the teenager's family in Doncaster earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Craig Robinson said he did not know how the pair travelled to Watford after ditching the car in Leicestershire.

They had been staying in the village of Sproxton, near Melton Mowbray.

Mr Robinson said police are still unsure of Bush’s motive and reiterated his fear for Lorna’s safety.

“We know he’s a con-artist,” he said. “No doubt he’s using his tactics on Lorna.”

Another 35-year-old man – not Bush – who was arrested yesterday in connection with the investigation remains in police custody.

Mr Robinson stressed that this man is not believed to be a family friend or relative.

After Bush’s arrest, a South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “South Yorkshire Police would like to thank the media and public for their help in this case”.