Girl, 7, from Blackburn missing off Morroccan coast

The incident happened on Wednesday, January 28, when the family were sat on rocks by the coast near Casablanca.

Family members were swept into the water alongside Inaayah Makda, seven, who is still missing.

They have appealed for any help in trying to find Inaayah, and blasted the police and local authorities in Morocco for a lack of support.

Speaking today, a family member in the UK said: “We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone.

“We have reached out for help, but the support has not been forthcoming.

“The support we have got from the local authorities in Morocco can only be described as inhumane.

“The family over there have been walking up and down the beach conducting their own search. They have been disregarded.

“If anyone knows any locals who can offer support, please tell them to come forth and help, in whatever way they can.”

The family member said her relatives not been told of any dangers of going onto the rocks outside the historic city, which sits on the Atlantic Ocean.

She said: “They were not been told of any warnings.

“There were no warning signs of any dangers at the beach, so when the large wave came across, they were all caught by surprise.

“The support since has been zero, they actually got told it was too rough to go out to sea, and they should wait for the body to wash up on sea.

“It is shocking to hear this.”

The father of the young girl, Zubair, had sent a message to Naseem Khan of Blackburn-based non-profit television channel, UCTV.

In it, he said: “What has happened is – we were just on rocks – rocks that were spread apart.

“They were sort of like half a metre high. So that’s when the tide suddenly swept everyone out.

“Inaayah was on the rock behind me.”

He added: “We got swept to the right and she got swept to the left.

“Before that, I did not see where Inaayah was as she got swept away so quickly.

“I couldn’t find her at all.

“We are trying to get help, because the police here are pathetic and useless. They are not doing anything.”

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Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain said he had spoken to the father of the child today.

He said: “This is an utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing situation.

“My thoughts are with Inaayah’s family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“I have spoken directly with her father and aunt to offer my full support, and my office is doing everything it can to assist them.

“I am urgently raising this matter with the relevant UK authorities, including the Foreign Office, to ensure that every possible step is being taken to support the ongoing search efforts and to provide the family with clear and timely answers.

“I will also be making direct contact with the Moroccan Ambassador to press for continued assistance and cooperation.

“The whole community in Blackburn is holding Inaayah and her loved ones in their prayers, and I will continue to do all I can to support the family during this devastating time.”

Cllr Suleman Khonat said: “It is very worrying when you’re out on a family holiday in a foreign country and an incident like this happens.

“Our prayers to the Almighty that he saves this beautiful girl. It’s so sad to hear the news.

“Our heartfelt feelings for her parents and family who are going through a difficult time.”

A mosque shared a short message asking people to pray for the family.

The Masjid-e-Saliheen, based in Disbury Street, said: “We ask our community to please keep a very special seven-year-old girl from our madrassah in your sincere duas.

“She has sadly gone missing at sea whilst in Morocco, and this is an incredibly difficult time for her family and all who know her.

“Please raise your hands and ask Allah (SWT) to grant her safety, surround her with his mercy, and give her family strength, patience, and comfort during this unimaginable test.”

The British Foreign Office have been approached for comment.