A MISSING 15-year-old schoolgirl from Shaftesbury has been found safe and well. 

Shannon Smith, who has special educational needs, was reported missing on Wednesday evening.

She was reported to have left Shaftesbury Academy School at 4pm.

She was last seen by a member of school staff at the top of Zig-Zag Hill.

Shannon was seen climbing a fence and running off across fields to the south of the road. 

Chief Inspector Steve Horton, of Dorset Police, said officers were 'extremely concerned' for Shannon and that her parents felt she wouldn't be able to cope on her own. 

Just after midnight however, Dorset Police confirmed Shannon had been found.

In a post on Facebook, Dorset Police said: "We are pleased to say missing Shaftesbury teenager Shannon Smith has been found safe and well.

"The 15-year-old was located by the NPAS helicopter and our dog unit.

"We would like to thank those members of public who called in with sightings and for everyone for sharing our earlier appeal on Facebook."