A SCHOOLGIRL who prompted a nationwide search when she went missing from her home in Bolton has been found safe and well.

Fatuma Kadir, 11, went missing from her home on Thursday evening before travelling on the train to London.

Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed that she has been found safe and well in the Capital, almost two days after she was last seen.

Det Ch Insp Paul Rollinson said: "She was found in London earlier today so we are now working to reunite her with her parents, who are as you can imagine, incredibly relieved.

"The last couple of days have been every parent's worst nightmare, so I know they will agree with me when I say a huge than you to everyone who has shared our appeal to find Fatuma.

"Your help has been invaluable, so thank you.

"We would now ask that their privacy be respected, so they can be together as a family."

Fatuma was at home on the night of July 22 (Thursday) at 7.30pm, but left home without the knowledge of her parents and travelled to Bolton Train Station at about 8.20pm.

Fatuma was believed to have come into contact with an unknown man and woman who police believe were worried about her.

They travelled on the same train as her to Manchester Piccadilly and then on again from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street.

At this time, Fatuma got off at Birmingham New street, and boarded the 11:10pm train to London Euston, arriving alone at 1:13am on July 23.