A caring man has revealed how he took a young girl into his home after he found her alone in Ashford in a distressed state.

The 12-year-old, believed to be from Vietnam, was discovered in Burton Road, Kennington, earlier this month by Dan Hegarty, 18.

After spotting her on his way home, Mr Hegarty approached the girl, who was crying and without a jacket despite the rain.

Worried for her welfare, he led her to his home in the road, and with help from his parents, cared for her until the police arrived.

Detectives believe the girl is a victim of human trafficking.

They are appealing for anyone who might have seen her prior to her being discovered to come forward.

Former North School pupil Mr Hegarty was first made aware of the vulnerable
girl at about 8.15pm on Tuesday, October 6, when he was walking home from a friend’s house.

The good-natured teenager instantly became concerned for her, after noticing she was walking alone in the dark and rain and was visibly upset.

He offered her his jacket and tried to guide her to his home in Burton Road, where his parents, Jo Davis and Colun Hegarty, and brother Josh were.

Mr Hegarty said: “I was walking outside Marino's Fish Bar on my way home when I saw a little girl.

“It was pouring with rain and she didn’t have a jacket. It didn’t look good. I followed her and put my coat around her. She didn’t speak English.

“I just didn’t think it was good for her to be walking around.

“She was crying, but not sobbing. We got to my house and I gestured for her to come in but she refused.

“She was really quiet and scared.

“I tried to make it clear that I lived there but she was having none of it.

“So I opened the front door and yelled for my mum and dad.”

The family managed to get the girl inside and offered her a glass of water and some food, and called the police.

She was wearing flip-flops, cut-off leggings, a T-shirt and a hoodie top. Miss Davis leant her a cardigan.

The family put on the TV for her to watch until the police arrived, more than an hour later.

Miss Davis said: “She just sat there. She looked in shock.

“She had no phone, no bag, nothing. We asked where home was and she said Vietnam. We also got her age, but that was all.

"It was pouring with rain and she didn’t have a jacket. It didn’t look good. I followed her and put my coat around her" - Dan Hegarty

“The police were good with her when they got here.

“Police seemed to think she might have got away from a van. She had mud on her hoodie.

“I’ve never heard anything like it. It took us a couple of weeks to get over it.

“The police said Dan had done a good job. I am really proud of him.”

Mr Hegarty added: “I feel it is what anyone would have done.

“We put kids’ shows on for her but she wouldn’t eat or drink anything. She was too scared.

“I probably would have been scared too.”

DC Christopher Brettc, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who saw this girl in the Ashford area on October 6.

“It had been raining. She was wearing a red jumper and was visibly distressed.

“I’d like to hear from anyone who may either know her, or perhaps saw her getting out of a vehicle.

“The girl is now safe and being cared for.

“The intervention of the member of the public who found this girl has potentially prevented a vulnerable child from being exploited.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 01843 222289.