The mother of a schoolgirl who was allegedly abducted and taken to Pakistan by her estranged father has made a tearful plea for her daughter's safe return.

Louise Campbell, who lives in Stornoway in the Western Isles, said her family was "absolutely devastated" by the disappearance of her 12-year old daughter, Molly.

An international search is under way for the girl, with police believing that she may have travelled to Lahore with her father, Sajad Ahmed Rana, and her 18-year old sister, Tahmina.

Mrs Campbell said: "We are absolutely devastated by the events of the last few days and we are finding it very difficult to come to terms with what has happened.

"This has come completely out of the blue as Molly seemed to be enjoying life in the Western Isles since we moved here nine months ago."

Northern Constabulary suspects that Molly, also known as Misbah Iram Ahmed Rana, was picked up from school by her 18-year-old sister on Friday morning, before the pair flew to Glasgow.

It is thought they then flew to Lahore with their father, who had visited Lewis the previous day before travelling to Glasgow.

Making a direct appeal to Molly's father and sister, Mrs Campbell said: "We would appeal to Molly’s father, sister and family to make sure she returns to us as her absence has left a huge gap in our lives.

"If there is anyone who can provide police with any information about Molly’s whereabouts or her movements since leaving Stornoway on Friday we would urge them to do so."

Mrs Campbell said Molly was a friendly, outgoing girl, who made friends easily, and loved her bike and going down to the beach in Stornoway.

"I would like to say to Molly that we miss her so much and we beg her to come home to us.

"She has to know she is not in any trouble and we are not angry, we just want her home," Mrs Campbell added.

Molly and her mother moved from Glasgow to the Isle of Lewis last November.

Chief Inspector Murdo Fraser, of Northern Constabulary, refused to comment on reports that Molly was the subject of an arranged marriage. He said: "We are appealing for anyone who has any knowledge of where Molly is to get in touch with us and give us some assurances in terms of her safety and well-being."

He added that a phone call from a person believed to be Molly had been made to Stornoway police station on Saturday afternoon.

Mr Fraser said they had encouraged the caller to speak to her mother, but he was not prepared to release details of conversation.

He added: "What we are dealing with is a possible abduction. We will not be able to establish if Molly went willingly until we speak to her directly.

"She is a 12-year-old child and, as with any other case involving a child reported missing, we have obvious concerns."

Explore UK News

• Crime News

• Education News

• Health News

• Scotland News

Times Recommends

• Oh no, Mr Darling: you have failed
• BBC survives dogfight over Kennel Club expose
• Where the Rosetta belongs can’t be set in stone