ONE of the athletes from the Cameroon who went missing following the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games has been found safe and well.
Foumena Marie Gaelle, 16, handed herself into the Grey Mare Lane police station in Manchester at 10.30am on Saturday. She is now being cared for by social services.
Her teammate Balana Marie Michel, also 16, is still missing.
Police launched an appeal to find the two girls last Wednesday, September 14, after the pair failed to board a flight to Brussels from terminal three at Manchester Airport en route to the Cameroon.
The two athletes had been representing their country at the sporting event held in the Island between September 7 and September 13.
According to a police spokesperson Foumena told officers that the girls decided to flee the airport because they were worried about their poor performance in the games and the consequences of this when they returned home.
Both girls had competed in the athletics events with Foumena failing to qualify for the 100m semi-finals and only ranking eighth out of nine in the long jump event. Balana also failed to progress further than the heat stages in the 100m and 200m events.
Detective Constable Andy MacNab, who is based at Manchester Airport CID, said: "The girls walked off of their own free will but we were extremely concerned for their welfare - and still are concerned about Balana. She has little or no money and absolutely no one to turn to in this country.
"We are relieved that Foumena came forward and we have ensured she is getting the care and support she needs from professionals.
"We would urge anyone who has seen Balana or knows where she is to contact us.
"It is quite likely she is feeling frightened and confused in a city she does not know - if you can hear or see this appeal please walk into a police station like Foumena did. You are not in any trouble with us and we can give you some help and support."
Balana speaks French and is believed to have a black Puma rucksack with her which bears the Cameroon flag.
Anyone with information to her whereabouts is asked to contact police at Manchester Airport on 0161 856 0250.
Also see: Cameroon athletes go missing following Commonwealth Youth Games
