A YOUNG girl from South Devon, who Devon and Cornwall Police were becoming increasingly concerned about after making media appeals to establish her whereabouts since before Christmas, has now been found in Lincolnshire and a man has been arrested.

Following an extensive policing operation, 12-year-old Leona Peach who was reported missing from Newton Abbot on the morning of Monday, December 20, has been located safe and well.

Officers had previously stated that they believed she may have travelled to Bideford in North Devon, the area where her father was from, but in fact she has now been found in north east England.

Devon and Cornwall Police say that aided by officers from Lincolnshire Police and with support from Devon Child Services and Lincolnshire Child Services, units attended and undertook a search of an address near Boston this afternoon (Thursday) and located Leona; she will continue to be supported by specialist officers and child services.

During the search police arrested a 34-year-old man, originally from Devon, on suspicion of child abduction and kidnap.

He is due to be transferred into police custody within Devon and Cornwall for questioning in due course.

The police force added: "Officers would like to thank the public for their support in helping us locate Ms Peach."