South East Jutland Police say they suspect a criminal offense was committed in connection with the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl from Hedensted, who was found alive in Hungary on Thursday.
The police statement was issued on Friday, August 7, as reported by DR. Vice Police Inspector Christian Skyt said there is suspicion that a criminal offense was committed in connection with her disappearance. He also confirmed that there are suspects in the case.
According to the police, the girl was reported missing on Tuesday evening. She was sought internationally through Europol earlier in the week and was located in Hungary on Thursday. She remains in the custody of Hungarian authorities, and Danish police are working to bring her back to Denmark as quickly as possible.
Skyt said he could not go into the circumstances or details of the case out of consideration for the investigation. Police have been present in the Hedensted area since the report came in on Tuesday evening, where a substantial operation has been carried out. Skyt noted that many residents witnessed the police action at close range, which he said may naturally raise questions and concern.
Police also stated their assessment that the case is an isolated incident. According to Skyt, there is no danger to residents in Hedensted or the surrounding area.
What other outlets report
B.T. reports that the girl left her home in Hedensted on Tuesday and was found in Hungary on Thursday, matching the police account. The outlet adds that police would not say what offense they suspect, nor who the suspects are. B.T. also repeated the police message that the case is considered isolated and poses no danger to the public.
The original missing-person notice, distributed via Ritzau by Sydøstjyllands Politi, said the 15-year-old had not been seen since about 08:00 in Hedensted. It included a description of her clothing and appearance and asked anyone with information to call 114. Police said the notice could be shared nationwide, because they believed she was no longer in the Hedensted area.
In an earlier update during the search, B.T. reported that police asked residents and businesses in Hedensted to check surveillance footage, sheds, outbuildings and garages. At that stage, police said they could not rule out an accident, a crime, or a voluntary disappearance.
Why the case changed now
The case moved into a new phase after the girl was found alive in Hungary on Thursday. Police then publicly confirmed the suspicion of a criminal offense on Friday. The international search earlier in the week followed her disappearance from Hedensted on Tuesday morning, according to the police press release.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
