North East woman reported missing in Thailand arrested in Georgia on suspicion of drugs offences
by Jade McElwee · ChronicleLiveA teenager reported missing in Thailand, has been confirmed as being arrested in Georgia.
Lyanne Kennedy, mother of Bella May Culley, from Billingham, Teesside, spoke to TeessideLive on Tuesday morning, explaining that her daughter was last seen in the Pattaya area and hasn't been in touch with her family since Saturday. Bella's relatives have flown out to Thailand in a desperate search for news.
However, in a surprising update on Tuesday afternoon, Cleveland Police revealed that an 18 year old woman from Billingham has been detained in the Eastern European country on suspicion of drug offences.
The police statement reads: "Update on Billingham woman who was reported missing overseas. We have this afternoon had confirmation from the authorities in Georgia that an 18-year-old woman from Billingham has been arrested there on suspicion of drugs offences and that she remains in their custody."
Bella initially flew out to the Philippines just after Easter and had been travelling around the islands with a friend. It is believed she flew to Thailand around May 3, reports Teesside Live.
As previously reported, she was in regular contact with her mum and was due to speak with her on Saturday but the family has had no word since and her phone is thought to be switched off. Bella's father, Neil Culley, along with his sister Kerrie Culley, has now flown out to Thailand to seek answers.
Lyanne spoke to Teesside Live and recounted: "She flew out to the Philippines after Easter with a friend and she was there for three weeks. She was posting loads of pictures and then she went to Thailand on about May 3.
"The last message she sent was to me and that was on Saturday at 5.30pm saying she was going to Facetime me later. That was the last message anyone has received from what we can figure out up to now.
"I'm just waiting on her dad who is now in Bangkok to get back with any more information. I just want her home and safe or to hear her gorgeous little voice."
Meanwhile, an official from the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who is reported missing in Thailand."
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