Schoolgirl, 9, in swimsuit missing from Bournemouth pier is found after desperate search

Police launched an urgent search for a little girl after she went missingfrom a popular tourist pier but she has now been found.

Salimatou, aged nine, had last been seen in the area of Bournemouth pier at around 12.30pm today (Saturday August 16). She was wearing a black and pink floral swimsuit while she is described as black and has braided hair. A statement from Dorset Police read: "Officers are appealing for help and information from the public as they search for a missing child in Bournemouth. Salimatou, aged 9, was last seen in the area of Bournemouth pier at around 12.30pm on Saturday 16 August 2025.

"She is described as black with braided hair, and was last seen wearing a black and pink floral swimsuit."

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But an update from the force at around 4.30pm read: "FOUND | We are pleased to confirm that missing child Salimatou has been found. Salimatou, aged 9, was reporting missing having last been seen in the area of Bournemouth pier at around 12.30pm on Saturday 16 August 2025.

"Following enquiries and searches by officers, she has now been found. We would like to thank everyone who shared our appeal."

Earlier Inspector Robin Morgan, of Dorset Police, issued a statement as well saying that the force is "growing concerned" for her safety as they try and find her.

“We are growing concerned for Salimatou’s welfare and are carrying out searches to try and locate her," he said. “I would urge anyone who has seen Salimatou’s or a child matching the description given, to please get in touch. If you have any current sightings of Salimatou, please call 999 immediately."

HM Coastguard said it was informed at about 1.50pm about the missing girl and deployed a search and rescue helicopter, coastguard rescue teams and RNLI lifeboats from Mudeford, Poole and Swanage.

Many people had taken to social media to express their concern and spread the message. One person wrote: "I’m praying this little girl is found safe," and another said: "I do hope she found, safe." While a further comment read: "Any parents worse nightmare, hope she’s found safe."