Runaway lovers found safe

Holiday sweethearts Natasha Phillips and Ashley Lamprey, who went missing two days ago, have been found safe and well, police said today.

Police officers with Ashley's family in Ackworth, West Yorkshire, broke the good news shortly after 10am.

Natasha's family on the Isle of Wight were told of the breakthrough by Hampshire police, who said the couple were traced in Milton Keynes, Bucks.

Michelle Clark, mother of Natasha Phillips said: "I love you very much Tasha and I am relieved both you and Ashley are safe and well."

Ashley's grandfather Ron Lamprey said he had spoken to his grandson on the phone and described him as "very chirpy".

He said Ashley had told him that nobody had taken their relationship seriously.

Mr Lamprey said: "One reason they did it is that nobody would believe the things he had been saying - his feelings for her."

The pair were spotted in HMV in the town after a member of staff alerted police to the youngsters on a CCTV recording from the previous day.

Natasha, 12, and Ashley, 15, disappeared on Tuesday morning after spending virtually every day in contact by phone after meeting on the Greek island of Cephalonia in June.

Police said the young sweethearts have now been reunited with their parents.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "Police in Milton Keynes can now confirm that Ashley Lamprey and Natasha Phillips were taken from the town's police station this afternoon to an undisclosed location within the Thames Valley to be reunited with their parents.

"The reunion has taken place and the families have kindly asked the media to respect their privacy."

Hampshire Police said Natasha and Ashley were found in Milton Keynes around 9.35am today, after a reported sighting of the couple at a Harvester restaurant in the area around 8pm last night.

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