Megan Stammers found: Family speak of relief as runaway teenager is traced

The stepfather of Megan Stammers has tweeted his relief that the 15-year-old has been found after the teenager and Jeremy Forrest were tracked down in Bordeaux, France.

Martin Stammers, tweeting under the newly-created #meganstammersfoundsafeandwell hashtag, wrote: "Thank you everyone for everything, massive relief and thrilled to bits."

Soon after he told Sky News: "The relief, the outpouring of love from everyone has just been amazing. We're so happy.

"As time goes on you despair even more, but knowing Megan, knowing the girl she is, I always had that belief that she was strong enough within herself to remain safe and well.

"I'm just happy. I just know in my heart that she's safe and well and she will be back with us very soon.

"We have our daughter back, it's just such joy."

Megan's sister Molly Stammers also tweeted her delight as the news emerged, writing: "My sisters been found!!!! so happy, i cant believe it!!!!"

Schoolgirl Megan left Britain with Forrest, her maths teacher, on a cross-Channel ferry on September 20.

Forrest, 30, has now been arrested on suspicion of child abduction.

[Read more: All the latest on the search for Megan]

Terry Boatwright, headteacher of Bishop Bell C of E School, which Megan attends, told ITV News: "Everyone in the Bishop Bell School community is delighted that Megan has been found and can now be reunited with her family, who must be so relieved.

"Throughout the last week, finding Megan has been everyone's priority and a major focus of our thoughts and prayers in school.

"Clearly, much needs to be done now to support Megan, and her family, as they seek to return to some sort of normality and we will do all we can to play our part in that."

It was Sussex Police that first revealed today that the pair had been discovered.

A statement released on the force's website read: "Missing Megan Stammers and Jeremy Forrest have been located safe and well in France.  

"They were found today (Friday 28 September) at 12.15pm UK time. Mr Forrest has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and Megan has been taken into protection.  

"The information which led to them being located came as a direct result of media coverage in France. 

"Their families have been informed and arrangements will now be made for Megan and Jeremy's safe return."