Headmaster’s joy after Stonyhurst College students found

Arrangements are currently being made for Stonyhurst College students Edward Bunyan and Indira Gainiyeva, both 16, to return to the UK after they fled to the Dominican Republic last week.

In a statement released today, headmaster Mr Andrew Johnson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to report the two missing pupils have been found safe and well by police in the Dominican Republic. They are currently in the care of the police and a family member.

“Staff and pupils at the college have been concerned in recent days for the safety of the two. We are really most grateful to parents and friends of Stonyhurst for their overwhelming support at this difficult time, and for their prayers for the safety of the two young people.”

He added: “Over the coming days we will be having discussions with the two young people and their families about what has happened and also what happens next. However, it is simply too early at the moment to speculate about the future.”

A Lancashire police spokesman said: “The students have thankfully been located safe and well at a hotel in the Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic.

“Plans are now being made for their safe return to the UK. They will be given a welfare de-brief by police following their arrival back in this country.

“Our priority throughout this has been to ensure the safety and welfare of these students and after they have been spoken to on their return this will signal an end of police involvement in this matter.”