Megan Stammers Search Continues in France

BBC News
September 27, 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-19698726

gMegan and Jeremy Forrest are thought to be travelling in his car

French authorities are helping search for an East Sussex teenager thought to be with a teacher from her school.

Megan Stammers, 15, from Eastbourne, is believed to have crossed the Channel with Jeremy Forrest, 30, a maths teacher at Bishop Bell C of E School.

Police said Mr Forrest, of Ringmer, East Sussex, who got married last year, was travelling with Megan in his black Ford Fiesta.

Megan's mother and stepfather are to make a new appeal for her to come home.

Several appeals have been posted on Twitter and Facebook, including one by her sister Brooke who tweeted: "Keeping hope that we'll have good news soon. Need our meg home safe and sound #keepfaith #findmeganstammers."

Megan was reported missing at about midday on Friday after she failed to turn up for school.

'Deeply concerned'

About nine hours later she is believed to have boarded a ferry from Dover to Calais.

Police said they were still investigating whether she was captured on CCTV and would consider releasing any images later.

The BBC understands there have not yet been any sightings of the pair in France.

Megan Stammers used a Dover to Calais ferry on Friday evening

The registration number of the Ford Fiesta is GJ08 RJO.

Ch Insp Jason Tingley, of Sussex Police, said: "We are investigating several lines of inquiry and are grateful for the support and co-operation from Megan's family and friends.

"We are at a critical stage of the investigation."

Police said they did not believe Megan was at risk, but appealed for her to make contact with her family.

On Saturday, Megan's stepfather Martin Stammers said: "We just want Megan to make contact with us. We are worried and miss her terribly - please get in touch Megan."

East Sussex County Council said it was urgently investigating the background of the case.

"Obviously this is a serious situation and one which we and the school are extremely concerned about," it said in a statement.

"Our main concern is Megan's safe return home. We would appeal to her to get in touch with her family to let them know she is OK."

Terry Boatwright, executive head teacher at Bishop Bell school, said: "The whole school community is deeply concerned for Megan and shocked by what has happened.

"The thoughts and prayers of us all are with Megan and her family at this time."

Megan is 5ft 6in, slim with long hair. She was last seen wearing a white vest top and a silver necklace.

Megan Stammers search continues in France