CLACTON’S community spirit has been praised by police as they thanked members of the public for turning out in force to find a missing girl.

The nine year-old was on holiday in Clacton with her mum when she went missing last week.

Police launched a search and issued an urgent appeal to the public for help.

A large number of volunteers turned out, some starting to search on their own and others turning up at the police station to offer their help.

The girl was found near Jaywick after about two and a half hours.

Members of the public clapped and cheered when they were told the good news.

Tendring district commander chief insp Russ Cole said: “This incident demonstrates the community spirit that is very much alive and flourishing in Clacton.

"Members of the public were only too happy to help us in our search for this little girl and we cannot thank them enough for their efforts.

"It is very humbling to see the public so ready to give up their time both to help us and to help a little girl that was unknown to them.

"We are so thankful that in this instance this particular story had a happy ending.”