UK police via AFP - Getty Images

Megan Stammers and Jeremy Forrest appear in this composite image supplied by police in the U.K.

An English man has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction after he was found in France with a 15-year-old high school student, police said Friday.

A statement on the Sussex Police website said Megan Stammers and Jeremy Forrest, a 30-year-old math teacher, were found “safe and well” at 1:15 p.m. local time in France (7:15 a.m. ET).

“Mr Forrest has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction and Megan has been taken into protection,” the statement said. “Their families have been informed and arrangements will now be made for Megan and Jeremy's safe return.”

In an interview with ITV News, Martin Stammers said he was “thrilled, delighted, overjoyed.”

“The most amazing thing at the moment,” he said, touching his chest, “is the joy in here that she’s safe and well … you cannot describe the relief.”

Police: UK teen thought to have run away to France with her math teacher

Stammers praised police and also people using social media sites to raise awareness about his daughter.

Megan’s sister Brooke Stammers expressed her joy at the news in several messages on Twitter.

“Absolutely on top of the world of the world right now, to know our Megan is safe and sound! Love you so much my beautiful sister xxxxxx,” she said in one.

“All our hope and faith came through so strong and our positivity stuck out!” she added.

Before they were found, Forrest’s father Jim had made an emotional appeal for Forrest or Megan to get in touch, ITV News reported.

“There are a lot of people back home who are desperate to hear from you. All I’m asking is for one of you to make a call or send an email to let us know that you are both safe,” he said. “We are all … we are all here for you both. We just need to hear from you.”

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