Herne Hill traveller found safe and well (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Herne Hill traveller found safe and well

10:39am Monday 31st March 2008

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The family of the 20-year-old who disappeared during a gap year trip to Africa have spoken of their relief since he was found at the weekend.

Aydan Savaskan, from Dorchester Court, Herne Hill, left his family anxiously waiting for news after he did not return home from a six-month trip to Kenya a couple of weeks ago.

"We are relieved, we are happy."

Sinan Savaskan

They had not heard from the 20-year-old since he sent an email from Benin, West Africa, on February 3.

But police have now confirmed they were taking no further action in their hunt for him. "Inquiries have established that Aydan was recently in France and we are satisfied as to his welfare," a Met spokesman said.

Aydan's dad, Sinan, said today that he was was overjoyed to hear the good news. "He's been found," he said. "There doesn't seem to be a big problem. I have spoken to the British Embassy in France and everything is fine.

"We are very happy it's over. We will hopefully speak to him very soon. We are relieved, we are happy."

Aydan had been working in a Nairobi orphanage as part of the Global Volunteer Network. He then left the programme to travel with friends.

It is thought he passed through Kenya, Ethiopia, Togo and then Benin.

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