MISSING schoolgirl Megan Stammers and her teacher Jeremy Forrest have been found in France, police said today.

The 15-year-old has been taken into protection and Forrest, 30, has been arrested.

They were found at around 12.15pm today UK time.

Police would not reveal the exact location.

The pair were both ''safe and well'', a spokesman for Sussex Police said.

Forrest has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction.

They were found as a result of information that came after the case received media coverage in France, police said.

Forrest and Megan's families have been informed and arrangements will be made for their return to the UK, the force added.

French media reported that the pair were found in Bordeaux.

The alarm was raised when Megan, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, failed to go to school a week ago and it was discovered that she had travelled with Forrest on a ferry from Dover to Calais the previous evening.

They had tickets to return to the UK on Sunday, but did not use them.

Both their families made emotional appeals for their return, with Mr Forrest's father Jim, of Petts Wood, south east London, begging his son or the teenager yesterday to call or email home.

On Monday the 15-year-old's mother Danielle Wilson, sitting beside stepfather Martin Stammers, also pleaded for her safe return.

There were reported sightings of the pair in Paris, and Sussex Police received seven phone calls with information after Megan's disappearance was featured on the BBC's Crimewatch last night.