Appeal over missing girl

Hamsetu Smy told police that Liti was staying in Brighton

Police are concerned for the safety of a five-year-old girl who is missing from her home.

Liti Sake, who is believed to be from Nigeria, was reported missing on Wednesday when police and social services visited her house in Eriswell Road, Worthing.

They were alerted by members of the public who had heard the girl screaming and crying.

When the police arrived there was no trace of Liti but they spoke to Hamsetu Smy who had custody of the child at the time.

It is believed that Liti's mother brought her to England from Nigeria and left her with the woman.

It is important we locate this child and ensure her welfare is being looked after Sussex Police spokesman

But Miss Smy told officers the girl was not at the house and was staying with a relative in Brighton.

Now police have said Miss Smy cannot be found and they believe she may be in the London area.

A police spokesman said: "We know that Liti, who is not on the at risk register, was at the address until recently.

"We do not know the reason for her being in the country and are in liaison with a number of agencies including Nigerian agencies.

"We appeal to Miss Smy that she must come forward to speak to us, or anyone who knows where she is.

"It is important we locate this child and ensure her welfare is being looked after."

The spokesman said the force was extremely concerned for the welfare of Liti, who is also called Swombie, which could be her real name.

Police want to speak to Miss Smy or anyone who may know her whereabouts.

Liti is described as slim with very dark skin with a wavy bobbed hair to her chin.