Kent's social services has launched a legal bid for the return of a teenage girl thought to be at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM).

A judge has reportedly ordered the return of the 13-year-old, who has been taken to Sudan by her mother.

She is believed to be at risk of FGM, which is practised for non-medical reasons in some countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

The High Court judge has imposed a FGM protection order using legislation which came into force in July.

Social workers are reportedly working with the police and the Foreign Office to secure the girl's return as a matter of urgency.

A Kent County Council spokesman said: "Kent County Council are involved in legal proceedings and therefore cannot comment.

"However the child's welfare is our paramount concern and we are working with the court to secure this."

It is predicted three million girls are at risk of FGM each year, and 125 million victims are thought to be living with the consequences.