Erika Kacicova found ‘safe and well’ in Bradford
After being missing for one week, 13-year-old Erika Kacicova is found by police in Bradford city centre while five are being held on suspicion of child abduction.
Investigating officers found the 13-year-old on Monday evening, after carrying out “extensive inquiries” into her whereabouts.
A third man, aged 41, from Bradford has been arrested this evening on suspicion of child abduction and remains in police custody.
In a statement, South Yorkshire Police said Erika was found safe and well, and on her own, in Bradford’s Centenary Square at around 6.40pm. Her family have been informed and the teenager is in the care of police officers in Bradford.
Officers had spoken to several people who had been in recent contact with the teenager, which eventually them to where she was.
Police investigating her disappearance of had arrested a 37-year-old man, the second suspect, earlier on Monday.
The 13-year-old had been missing for a week after she was last seen at her home in Darnall, Sheffield on Monday 5 August.
Detective Inspector Helen Tate said: “It’s fantastic news that we now have Erika, safe and well and a successful conclusion to the search for Erika.
“Our primary aim now is to concentrate on Erika’s wellbeing and begin to piece together her movements since she left home last Monday. We are working with local authority and partner agencies for the appropriate support for Erika and to assist with the investigation.
‘Overwhelmed’ by public response
Police said they had had a strong response to their appeal for help yesterday, taking numerous calls from the public leading to positive lines of enquiry. They also released a new picture of Erika (above) in an attempt to get more information. DI Tate added: “I have personally been overwhelmed by the way the public and the media have responded to our appeals and I am extremely grateful for their help and support throughout this investigation.”
A 22-year-old man from Bradford who came forward to police on Friday with information about Erika was arrested on suspicion of abducting a child but was released on police bail Sunday morning. The police said he was helping them with their investigation.
Fifty police officers had been working on the case.