A teenager who disappeared along with a convicted rapist has been found after a major police search in West Sussex.

Kayleigh Quinn, 16, was helping police with inquiries tonight along with 23-year-old Steve Barton, who served six years in jail for raping a 92-year-old widow in Storrington.

It is understood they were found together after a brief chase across fields near Kayleighs home in Rectory Close, Pulborough, just after 5pm. They had been missing for 48 hours.

Barton was in custody this evening in connection with alleged bail offences.

Earlier today Kayleighs father, Anthony, appealed for his daughter to come home as concern grew for her safety. It emerged that a bloodstained note from her and Barton had been found near the family home.

A police spokesman said: "The note was bloodstained, which indicated they were going to cause themselves harm. There was a suggestion they might be wanting to take their own lives."

Speaking at a police Press conference before his daughter was found, Mr Quinn said: "I do not blame Kayleigh in any way for anything she has done and I just want her to come home safely. She is not going to be in any bother from myself or my ex-wife."

Police said Barton was jailed for 12 years in December 1996 for the Storrington cemetery rape.

Barton, 15 at the time, denied the charges but was found guilty at Chichester Crown Court. His sentence was reduced to ten years on appeal and he was released last August after serving six years.