Mother in emotional appeal after girl aged 12 disappears with boy of 15

The mother of a 12-year-old girl who has disappeared with a 15-year-old boy she met on holiday appealed last night for her safe return.

Natasha Phillips, from Newport on the Isle of Wight, left a note telling her family that she loved them before running away on Tuesday morning.

She is believed to have disappeared with Ashley Lamprey. She met him while their families were on holiday on the Greek island of Cephalonia earlier this year.

Last night, the families of both children made an emotional appeal for the pair to get in touch to let them know that they were safe.

Michelle Clark, Natasha's mother, said: "Natasha, I just want to know that you are okay, and you are with Ashley, and that you are both safe.

"I know you and Ashley want to be together, but you need to let the family know that you are both safe. We love you very much, and we just want you to come home. You are not in any trouble."

Karen Lamprey, Ashley's mother, added: "They mustn't worry, they are not in trouble. No one's going to shout at them. We just want them back safely. We are desperate to know that they are all right."

Police believe that Natasha and Ashley, from Ackworth, West Yorkshire, may have been planning to meet up over the past few weeks.

Acting Inspector Paul Savill of Newport police said: "We know that they have been in regular contact with each other, and we think they made travel plans together to go to Northampton. We are concerned as they only have a limited amount of money between them, and we are worried how they will look after themselves once this runs out."

Natasha was described as appearing two or three years older than her 12 years, at 5ft 8in, with shoulder-length brown hair with blonde highlights. Ashley is 5ft 10in, slim, with short, spiky blond hair.