Missing Walthamstow teenage girls found and 18-year-old man arrested

Two missing teenage girls from Walthamstow have been safely found, police have confirmed.

Alliyah Montaque, 15, and Lina Bennacef, 16, had been missing from their homes since Wednesday, April 13.

But last night (Thursday, April 21), the two girls were found safely, a police spokesperson said.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and remains in police custody.

In an appeal issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Met Police said it is believed the girls are together and that they may be in the company of an older teenager who has links to south London.

Their disappearance was described as out of character and officers said there were growing concerns for their welfare.

A spokesperson for the Met Police in Waltham Forest posted on Twitter that the girls had been found yesterday just after 7pm.

The northeast borough command unit officer said: “UPDATE: A short time ago, officers located Alliyah and Lina who were missing from Walthamstow.”

They added: “They’re safe and their families have been informed. Thanks to those who shared our appeal.

“An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction.

“He remains in custody.”