UK police make arrest in search for missing girl

Detectives searching for missing British schoolgirl Amanda Dowler have arrested a 36-year-old man.

Detectives searching for missing British schoolgirl Amanda Dowler have arrested a 36-year-old man.

The suspect was detained in Chertsey, about three miles from the teenager's home in Walton-on-Thames.

Amanda Downer
Missing teenager Amanda Downer

The 13-year-old, nicknamed Milly, disappeared eight weeks ago as she walked home from school.

News of the development came in a brief police statement released over five hours after the arrest.

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It said: "A 36-year-old man has today been arrested by Surrey Police in Chertsey at around 11am in connection with the inquiry into the disappearance of missing schoolgirl Amanda Dowler.

"Amanda, known as Milly, was last seen on Thursday March 21st after leaving Walton Railway Station on her way home from school.

"The man has been taken to Surrey Police Station for questioning."

It is thought to be the first arrest directly connected to Milly's disappearance. A woman was recently arrested for allegedly harassing Milly's parents.