Police said it was too early to say what action Elaine Walker faced

Elaine Walker, 45, is believed to have moved with an older daughter, leaving her youngest child to fend for herself in Redmire in the Yorkshire Dales.

The teenager is said to be safe and well and staying with friends.

Police said they are trying to trace Ms Walker, who it is understood decided to move to Turkey permanently after holidaying there earlier this summer.

'Coping well'

A police spokesman said they wanted to find her with a view to bringing her back to the UK.

But they said it was too early to say what action, if any, would be taken against her.

North Yorkshire social services said they were working with police to resolve the situation.

Derek Law, corporate director for social services with North Yorkshire County Council, said their priority was the security and safety of the teenager.

"She is the victim of a situation completely beyond her control and, in the circumstances, she is coping remarkably well," he said.

The girl is currently staying with friends but Mr Law said the publicity surrounding her plight had prompted several members of her extended family to offer her accommodation.