A CHARD schoolgirl who police feared had spent the night in freezing temperatures has been found.

Police launched a search for Ella Read, 14, after she went missing at 8.10am yesterday (January 29).

She was reported as being found shortly after 1pm.

Ella went missing after she was dropped off at Holyrood Academy in Chard at 8.10am yesterday (January 29) but didn’t attend registration.

A police spokesman said: "We urgently need your help to find missing girl Ella Read.

"She’s known to use public transport and we’ve reason to believe she may have travelled south into the Devon and Cornwall area."

Ella is white, of medium build, 5ft 4ins tall with bobbed brown hair.

She was wearing a black puffer style jacket over her school uniform which consists of a black blazer, white shirt and a black skirt when she went missing. She was also carrying a school bag.

Detective Inspector Lindsay Shearlock said: “Ella’s disappearance is out of character and we’re concerned for her welfare.

“Temperatures were close to freezing last night and, from what we know, she certainly wasn’t prepared for sleeping outdoors.

“She’s likely to be scared and very cold and we want to find her as soon as possible.

“We’re using a significant amount of resources, including the police dogs, to find Ella but we really need the public to support us."

When she was found, a police spokesman said: "Good news - missing 14 year-old girl Ella Read has been found safe.

"We'd like to thank everyone who helped share our earlier appeal to find her."