Father of maths teacher missing in France with pupil makes 'come home' plea

The Scottish father of a married teacher who went missing in France with his teenage pupil has pleaded with his son to call home.

Jim Forrest fought back tears as he made a direct appeal to 15-year-old Megan Stammers and his 30-year-old son Jeremy.

Mr Forrest, who lives in London, said: "Hi Megan, hi Jeremy, I hope this message reaches you and you are both okay. There are a lot of people back home that are desperate to hear from you.

"All I am asking is for one of you to make a call, send an email, so we know you are both safe.

"We are all here for you both. Please, please get in contact."

Police have issued an international letter of request and European Arrest Warrant in relation to child abduction after the pair failed to return from a trip to France.

They crossed the Channel on a ferry last Thursday but were reported missing after failing to make the scheduled return journey on Sunday evening.

Chief Inspector Jason Tingley, speaking at Sussex Police headquarters, said the arrest warrant was obtained on Tuesday and had been circulated to police in every country in Europe.

He urged Jeremy Forrest to make contact, saying he will be aware that "he has questions to answer".

He said: "This has probably not gone the way that Megan or Jeremy expected. Jeremy will be aware that he has questions to answer, and making contact with us is the best way he can do this.

"As part of the process of working with the French authorities, we have secured an international letter of request and a European Arrest Warrant.

"These orders, which have been obtained with the help of the Crown Prosecution Service, enable us to work with the European authorities and are in relation to an offence of child abduction. This means taking Megan without the consent of her parents.

"The full details of this warrant have been circulated to every EU country. When the pair are found in an EU country, Jeremy can be arrested and Megan will be taken into protection."

On Monday the schoolgirl's stepfather, Martin Stammers, 43, launched a Twitter campaign for Megan's safe return.

He told journalists: "Everyone is missing her. Everyone is concerned about her. She is by no means in any trouble whatsoever. We just want to hug her. We want her back in our arms with her smiley face and dimples."

Anyone with information in connection with Megan's disappearance should call Sussex Police on 01273 475 432 or 07786 208090.

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