Missing girl 'just rocked up' to school

Seven-year-old Sapphire. Photo / NZPA

A seven-year-old girl who went missing in Palmerston North last night turned up at school this morning.

Senior Sergeant Andy Brooke said the girl, named Sapphire, had "just rocked up" to Somerset Crescent School, which alerted police about 8.30am that she was safe.

"Everyone's just relieved," Somerset Crescent School chairman Tony Coffin said.

He said details were still uncertain but it appeared Sapphire thought she had permission to stay at a friend's house overnight, and had no idea of the panic she had sparked.

"She just rode into school, completely oblivious to anything having happened," Mr Coffin said.

"She had some of her friend's clothes on, she had lunch ready for the day, they had made it together, and she was just completely oblivious to anything having happened."

Sapphire, who he described as "bubbly" and "independent", had enjoyed a good night's sleep, unlike the school's principal Robyn Tootill who was woken by police at 2am, so they could search the school.

Sapphire's family, who arrived at the school about 9am to reunite with their daughter, appeared "pretty shocked" and overwhelmed, Mr Coffin said. Sapphire was currently being interviewed by police, and she, too, appeared "a bit overwhelmed" by the attention.

Police earlier said Sapphire's family had contacted them about 10.45pm after searching for almost five hours for the girl.

Mr Brooke said nearly 30 police staff, Search and Rescue personnel and LandSAR volunteers spent the rest of the night checking streets, parks and streams.

"The disappearance of a child is always a concern. Sapphire's night away from home is a good reminder for parents and caregivers to check with one another first that kids are allowed to have a sleep over away from home," he said.

"This makes the supervision arrangements clear for everyone and avoids any unnecessary worry."

- NZHERALD STAFF and NZPA