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Last Updated: Tuesday, 22 March, 2005, 02:20 GMT
Shelters wanted for teen runaways
Young people sleeping rough generic
The charity says the number of incidents is alarming
At least 1,600 children and teenagers in South Yorkshire run away each year according to figures provided by children's charities.

The Children's Society and SAFE@Last, a Yorkshire-based charity, is campaigning for a network of safe accomodation for young runaways.

It says youngsters want somewhere nearby, safe and protected to stay if they leave home.

A spokesman said the increasing number of incidents was alarming.

Hilary Massarella, director of SAFE@Last in South Yorkshire, said: "Our research reveals the extent and gravity of running away in South Yorkshire among children and young people.

"The increasing number of incidents we deal with is alarming."

The charity's research also revealed that two thirds of young runaways were not reported as missing to police by their parents and that a quarter said they had slept rough.


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