Two Moroccan teenagers on a student exchange program have gone missing in London, according to the Metropolitan Police. Douae, aged 14, and her 15-year-old friend Houda were last seen leaving their hostel located at Tavistock Place at approximately 8:30 PM on January 28, 2025.
The girls had arrived for their week-long stay on January 25, 2025, as part of the exchange organized by a private, independent company. They are scheduled to return to Morocco on February 1, 2025. The authorities have expressed serious concerns for their welfare since they are in a city and country unfamiliar to them.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur, leading the investigation, stated, "We are appealing for any information about Douae and Houda's whereabouts. They have travelled from Morocco and are in a city and country not familiar to them, so the longer they remain missing, the greater our concern for their welfare is." The detectives are actively investigating the case and are reaching out to the Moroccan embassy to assist their efforts.
Inspector Kaur added, "A team of detectives is working tirelessly to locate them. We are liaising with the Moroccan embassy and the company who organized the visit to keep their families updated with any developments." The police have urged anyone with information about the girls' whereabouts to call 101, quoting the reference number 01/7101825/25. If anyone spots Douae or Houda, they are advised to call 999 immediately.
The situation highlights the potential vulnerabilities of exchange students abroad, particularly those who may be unfamiliar with their new environment. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures for young travelers.
Authorities continue to work diligently on the case, hopeful for information from the community. The families of Douae and Houda are understandably distressed, and officials are doing all they can to keep them informed.
Anyone with any knowledge of these teenagers' whereabouts or who may have seen them recently is strongly encouraged to step forward. Community support is invaluable at this stage, and every detail could help reunite the girls with their families.
Tracing the movements of the teenagers since their last confirmed sighting could be key to unraveling their disappearance. Any public assistance could prove pivotal as police continue their search.
The appeal for information is part of the police's dedicated efforts to resolve the case swiftly and safely. It stands as a reminder of the broader responsibilities shared by exchange programs to prioritize the safety of their participants and maintain open lines of communication with local authorities.
The clock is ticking as the days slip closer to the scheduled return of the girls to Morocco. Time is of the essence, and community vigilance may be their best ally.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur concluded, "We are doing everything possible to find Douae and Houda. We urge the public to remain alert and assist us to bring them home safely."
The police department remains on high alert, and updates will be provided to keep the public informed on this pressing and urgent matter. The city awaits hopeful news of the safe return of the two young Moroccan students.