Girl found alive after alleged camping trip abduction

The nine-year-old girl was last seen riding her bike with friends on Sunday, sparking a desperate search which ended with good news on Tuesday morning. A man has been arrested in relation to her disappearance.

Charlotte Sena, nine, was suspected of having been abducted following her disappearance from Moreau Lake State Park early Saturday evening. Picture: Facebook

A nine-year-old girl who vanished on a camping trip has been found alive and "in good health".

Police were searching for Charlotte Sena after she was last seen riding her bike with friends in Moreau Lake State Park in upstate New York.

A man allegedly involved in her disappearance is in custody, and Fox News reports he has a criminal history involving sexual abuse.

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She is currently being evaluated in hospital.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she was “overjoyed” the girl had been found safe.

“Our hearts are with her family as they welcome her home.

“Thank you to the New York State Police, New York Park Police and all who worked so tirelessly to find Charlotte. It is because of their efforts that Charlotte will be able to return home safe to her family.”

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Charlotte Sena was found alive and well on Tuesday after she was allegedly abducted by a male suspect. Picture: Facebook

"The scene was chaotic"

Charlotte's family initially became worried when she didn’t return from her bike ride, and notified police who began searching for Charlotte 15 minutes after they were contacted.

“The scene was chaotic with people leaving their tables, and everyone joining the search and calling the name Charlotte,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Police issued an Amber Alert on Sunday.

“The child was taken under circumstances that lead police to believe that they are in imminent danger of serious harm and/or death,” the alert stated.

Information Officer Stephanie O’Neil told the Sun Charlotte is a “highly intelligent, adventurous nine-year-old”, but said this was “out of character”.

Governor Hochul acknowledged the family was having a “hard time” after Charlotte’s disappearance.

“We are leaving no stone, no table, no branch underturned, untouched, or unexamined in our search to find Charlotte,” she said.

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More than 175 people were involved in the search for Charlotte. Picture: Governor Kathy Hochul

"Please do not come to the park"

The US Sun reports Charlotte’s mum Trisha made a desperate plea for her daughter’s return.

“I just want my daughter back,” she told local news outlets.

“We just want her returned safely like any parent would. No tip is too small, please call if you know anything at all.”

Moreau Lake State Park, about 60km north of state capital Albany and 280km north of New York City, has been closed since the disappearance and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

“Be respectful of our current situation,” a park spokesperson said.

“Please do not come to the park. Leave all the searching to the professionals.”

More than 175 people have been deployed to help look for Charlotte, along with a drone, driver and a helicopter.

Originally published as Girl found alive after alleged camping trip abduction