Teenage girl faked own kidnapping to blackmail €40,000 ransom from father, prompting 280-officer manhunt

Teenager and her accomplice had even recorded hostage videos, police say

The girl was allegedly seen walking down the road with her accomplice. (Getty Images)

A 13-year-old girl faked her own kidnapping to blackmail a reported €40,000 (£34,500) ransom from her own father, police in Germany have said.

More than 280 officers were involved in the massive manhunt which was launched when the youngster was reported missing in Berlin.

But the plot fell through when both she and an 18-year-old accomplice were seen walking down a city street a day later.

The girl – originally from Syria – was taken to the city's youth welfare office because she refused to return home. The accomplice, a male, was detained by officers.

In a statement, police spokeswoman Patricia Braemer said the pair were well prepared, had demanded two cash drops in a bid to cover their tracks.

She would not confirm the amount demanded but local paper BZ reported the 40,000 euros figure.

Her 18-year-old companion was taken into custody and was set to appear in court, where he will extortion charges and those of faking a crime.

A police statement said the pair appeared to be well prepared and had even recorded hostage videos.