Serina Pula, the Auckland Girls’ Grammar School pupil who had been missing since 7am last Thursday, was found by the Police Specialist Search Group at about 3.25pm today.
She was in the ceiling cavity of the church adjacent to the home on Calgary St, Sandringham that she shared with her grandparents during the week.
Serina was found safe and well by the team of Police, shortly after they were deployed there to carry out a search this afternoon.
A Police officer had checked the church – and the area where she was eventually found – on Saturday morning.
"We believe Serina was in the church for the entire period she was missing, but was actively avoiding detection there on Saturday while the officer was searching," Sergeant Matt Srhoj [pron. Sir-hoi] said.
"We’re delighted she’s been found safe and well and we’re making some inquiries about why she went missing for the time she did."
Mr Srhoj passed on his thanks to all those involved in helping to locate Serina.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz