British girl, 12, vanishes during family holiday to Japan

By SABRINA PENTY, FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:22, 14 August 2026 | Updated: 15:26, 14 August 2026 A British 12-year-old girl has been reported missing after vanishing during a family trip to Japan. Carmelita Lakdesha Paul arrived in the Asian country with her parents and older brother on July 21.  Her family say they last saw her on August 12 at their Tokyo accommodation, only to find that she had taken off the following morning, Japanese broadcaster ANN News reports.  She was reported missing to police at 9.30am on August 13.  According to Carmelita's father, he had spoken to her the night before and said there was nothing suspicious about her behaviour.  The schoolgirl was captured on CCTV walking in the Kamata district, near to where the family were staying, later that morning.  She appeared to be wearing a blue sleeveless top, a black and white skirt, black pumps and carrying a pink handbag. Police said Carmelita then boarded a train at Kamata Station and travelled 20 minutes south to Yokohama Station; however, cops have not been able to track her movements beyond that point.  Brit Carmelita Lakdesha Paul went missing in Tokyo  Carmelita did not take her phone or passport with her, and her family believes she had no more than a few thousand yen - no more than £70 - on her.  She has been described as being 5ft3in and of medium build with curly dark hair. Police have urged anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact Tokyo authorities.  The Daily Mail has approached the Foreign Office for comment.