AN URGENT police manhunt went underway to find a missing 17-month-old girl who was inside a car when it was stolen in Newham, London.
The young girl's father took the black Audi A5 to an "unknown man" at Nine Acres Close on Sunday, January 6 with a view to sell the vehicle.
The 17-month-old girl was in the passenger seat of the car when a man, described as Asian, of slim build and dressed in black clothing, took the vehicle.
The girl is called Maria Tudorica and is Romanian and from the Newham area. She was wearing a white top and red bottoms at the time of the theft.
The black Audi, number plate FY58 UAZ, was found later that evening by police officers in Hatherway Crescent, E12, without Maria inside.
An urgent plea went out to the media and members of the public on Sunday. It was a few hours later that Maria was found "safe and well" by officers.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said: "We are delighted to report that missing child Maria Tudorica aged 17 months has been found safe and well.
"Thanks to media and all members of the public who have helped with this appeal." – she was found in the E12 area at Ruskin Avenue.
