Parents speak of joy at daughter's return (From Croydon Guardian)

Shelley Pratt's parents speak of joy at daughter's return

3:04pm Tuesday 5th February 2013 in News Exclusive By Andrew Bloss

The parents of Shelley Pratt are over the moon that she has returned safely nearly 14 weeks after she went missing.

Shelley Pratt, 14, of South Norwood, disappeared on Friday, November 9, nearly 14 weeks ago.

But the Westwood College student walked into Croydon police station this afternoon and is in the care of officers.

Her parents told the Croydon Guardian they were delighted that she is safe and will put on their Christmas lights in celebration of her return.

Detectives have been appealing for information on the whereabouts of the missing teenager but had very few leads to go on.

The 14-year-old phoned her mum Lisa Pratt last Thursday and told her she was ok and that she loved her before the phone went dead.

The call is believed to have been made from a phone box near Regent Street. Police did find some CCTV footage but weren’t 100% sure it was Shelley.

Lisa and Tony Pratt said they can’t wait to get her back home.

Mrs Pratt said: “We won’t get her back for a few hours yet as the police need to do tests and question her and everything else.

“I am shaking because I am so happy. I am over the moon that she is back. The lights will be going on tonight and all the presents are still on her bed ready for her when she comes home.

“Tony will open his presents as well, he has been saving them until she came back.

“She is home and I am just so happy.”

Tony Pratt, Shelley’s dad, said: “I am over the moon. It has been a long time she has been missing but it is all good now.

“We can start getting our lives back on track now and sort things out. It is a big weight off my shoulders. I was getting stressed and having chest pains. Now she is back the pains have gone.

“The lights will show everyone she is home. I cannot wait to give her a big hug and a kiss. Her brothers and sisters will be delighted. It is amazing.”