Esme Smith: missing teenager found 'safe and well' after member of the public spots her It is not clear at this stage whether a criminal investigation will be launched into her disappearance or whether the police are seeking to speak to anyone else in connection with the case. A spokesman for Surrey Police said: "A call was made to Surrey Police by the Metropolitan Police around 9.40am today to say that the 14-year-old who went missing on 12 September was at a north London police station. Her safe return is thought to be as a direct result of the media appeals, and the media and public are thanked for their assistance. Detective Superintendent Jon Savell has thanked the public and the media for their assistance in helping to find Esme. The head of public protection for Surrey Police said: "Throughout our search for Esme, we were very fortunate to have the support of the local community, Esme's school, her friends, the public and the media, and it was as a direct result of the media activity that she was found. We have seen huge use of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook, throughout our search and this has been really beneficial but we would now ask that these pages are taken down. This has been a very distressing time for Esme and her family and we would ask that that their privacy is respected. Mr Savell said that establishing what happened to Esme was a priority. He said: "It is unclear what has happened and where she has been, and establishing that is obviously a priority for us, as is ensuring her health and welfare, and continuing to support her family." Esme disappeared after leaving All Hallows School in Farnham, Surrey, a week last Friday, at the usual time, telling friends she was going to Woking before travelling on to a party. She was seen boarding a train at Aldershot Railway Station just after 4pm and was then spotted getting off a train at London Waterloo around 5pm. The teenager was later caught on CCTV entering a McDonalds" restaurant on The Strand in central London before walking towards Covent Garden at just after 6pm. Esme's sister Sian made an emotional appeal for her safe return, saying: "We just want her back." She added: "I think she's maybe met somebody out there or planned to meet somebody. Esme's father, Mark Smith, a former Royal Navy lieutenant commander who now works at Nato's Joint Warfare Centre in Norway, said the family were "worried sick" by her disappearance. It also emerged that Mr Smith, who has been decorated for service in Afghanistan, the Gulf War and Northern Ireland, had been forced to take over her Twitter account in the months before her disappearance after she was subjected to online bullying. Mr Smith had threatened to name and shame internet bullies, writing: "Esme account will be deleted as this has been a major factor in bullies attacking her on Tue. I strongly advise others to do also Esme Dad [sic]. To all those bullies who took part in her attack on Tue, we know who you are, you are shameful, the authorities will deal with you, good bye Before we delete Esme's account the bullies or others who stood by and did nothing will be named.