A RELIEVED Basingstoke dad has thanked the community and police after his daughter who went missing has been found.

Nathan Lake said he would like to say “a big big thank you” to everyone who turned up to look for Lyla-Jane, 13, who was later found in Reading.

Her disappearance sparked a huge community effort with scores of people turning out as the community rallied to help find her. 

“The response was amazing,” Nathan said.

“Everyone's work ethic, passion and the strength of numbers – you could just see it all happening. The only thing that could have concluded was getting my daughter Lyla home. And it happened at two in the morning. She was brought home by the police.

“And that was purely to do with the work from everyone that was there was out on their feet. It was just huge for us to get feet on the ground here.”

READ MORE: Missing Basingstoke teen who sparked major search found by police

Lyla went missing from Simmons Walk in Basingstoke on Wednesday, December 21.

On Tuesday, December 27 — having not found Lyla for six days — hundreds of people gathered at The Riverdene pub near Simmons Walk to launch a search mission.

The community knocked on the doors of houses with doorbell cameras and passed leaflets hoping to get any clue about the missing teenager.

Police confirmed at around 2am on Wednesday, December 28, that Lyla-Jane was found safe.

Nathan also thanked the police for their efforts.

He added: “There was a lot of hard work in terms of trying to pinpoint her location.”

SEE ALSO: Hundreds gather in Basingstoke to search for missing teenage girl

An emotional Nathan said it was a huge relief to get Lyla back home safe.

He continued: “I’m absolutely delighted.

“Just to see, just to know that, the police had her was instant relief, and then to have her turn up at the front door 40-50 minutes later. It was a huge relief to see her unharmed. She didn't have a mark on which was another huge relief.

“What would have been my first peaceful sleep in a week, ended up being calling up everyone and sharing the happy news.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary also thanked people for their support.

A spokesperson said: "We're pleased to inform you that Lyla has been located safe.

"Thank you to everyone who has shared our appeal."