Briton found 'safe and well' in Oz

Sunday, 30, Apr 2006 09:59

A British woman has been found "safe and well" in Australia after going missing for more than one week.

Fears were raised after law graduate Frances Embleton, 24, failed to attend her own farewell party.

She walked into a Sydney police station on Sunday morning after a number of appeals had been made from her family.

Her father and two sisters, from Harpenden, Hertfordshire, had made tearful statements trying to reach Ms Embleton.

It was reported that she had told people in Australia she had gambled away her air-fare in a casino. She had been due to fly from Sydney to Bangkok last Monday to meet relatives.

But her family said it was out of character for her to gamble.

"The woman contacted police and attended Gosford Police Station. No further action will be taken," a statement from New South Wales Police said.

Her sister Sally told BBC News that her father had told her the good news.

"He received a phone call from the authorities in Australia that Frances is safe and well, that she's been found, and all is well, and the relief is amazing," she said.

Ms Embleton had been working and travelling around Australia for the past year. She has now been granted a temporary visa.