A FORMER policeman who ran away to Scotland with a 15-year-old schoolgirl will not face any criminal charges.

Matthew Brooks, then a 22-year-old probationary constable at Worcester police station, was arrested on suspicion of abducting Naomi Mills in February after they were discovered hiding out in the Highlands.

"It has been decided that it would not be in the public interest to take the matter to court and no further action is to be taken," said the statement issued by West Mercia police yesterday.

The pair sparked a massive hunt when Naomi, of Beaconhill Drive, St John's, sent her parents a text message saying she was going to stay with a school friend and Mr Brooks, of Amberley Close, Blackpole, Worcester, failed to turn up at work.

A land and sea search was carried out after Mr Brooks' car was found half-submerged on a causeway at the Kyle of Tongue.

A helicopter with heat-seeking equipment was drafted in to the search and police stepped up door-to-door inquiries.

The duo were eventually spotted walking along an isolated Highland road by a passing journalist who tipped-off police.

Chief Supt Bruce Duncan estimated Northern Constabulary's search alone involved 400 police hours, costing around £5,000.

Mr Brooks - whose father Adrian is a police officer based at Worcester police station - resigned from the force police after his arrest.

The Brooks' family home was deserted yesterday after police announced it would not be pressing charges.

But a neighbour, who asked not to be named, spoke fondly of Matthew.

"He was always really friendly and such a nice lad," said the woman.

"Matthew would always smile and say hello. We were all really shocked when we heard what had happened. I just hope he can put all this behind him and will be happy."

The Mills family home was also quiet, and the curtains were drawn.

A classmate of Naomi, who goes to Martley's Chantry High School, said she hardly ever saw her.

"No one sees her except for when she comes into exams," said the schoolgirl.