Detectives are investigating potential human trafficking in Ashford after a young girl was found in Kennington.

The 12-year-old appeared visibly distressed when she was discovered wandering around Burton Road on the evening of Tuesday, October 6.

Police are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen the girl around Ashford before she was found by a member of the public who contacted police at 8.30pm.

Det Con Christopher Brett, who is leading the investigation, said the force "takes incidents of this nature seriously" adding that Kent Police is making more referrals to support services for "trafficked victims than ever before".

He added: "We are keen to hear from anyone who saw this girl in the Ashford area on 6 October. It had been raining; she was wearing a red jumper and was visibly distressed. I’d like to hear from anyone who may either know her, or perhaps saw her getting out of a vehicle.

"The girl is now safe and being cared for. Thankfully the intervention of the member of the public who found this girl has potentially prevented a vulnerable child from being exploited."

The details have just been released by police.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting reference ZY/031427/15.

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