A GWENT family is furious at a police force for letting their missing teenage daughter slip through their fingers.

Tammy Lane, who disappeared from her Nantyglo home eight days ago, was picked up drunk by West Midlands police - who say they did not then know she was a missing person.

After being treated at hospital she left of her own accord. But father Andrew Lane, 42, said last night criticised the West Midlands police for not recognising his daughter.

Meanwhile, part-time market trader Tajinder Pami , 30, appeared at Birmingham magistrates court yesterday charged with unlawfully detaining the 15-year-old and removing her from her parents.

Pami, of Ravenhurst Street, Highgate, Birmingham, denied the charge, which comes under the Child Abduction Charge 1984.

Pami spoke through a translator in court as he was granted conditional bail.

His appearance came on the same day as police launched a poster campaign to find Tammy.

She disappeared from her home in Winchestown eight days ago, leaving mum Michelle French, 33, and dad Andrew frantic with worry. The couple have made emotional appeals through the Argus for Tammy to go home.

It emerged yesterday that Tammy was reported as being drunk in a Wolverhampton street just before midnight on Saturday and was unable to give her details to officers.

They took her to New Cross Hospital but when they realised who she was, Tammy had already discharged herself.

A spokeswoman for New Cross Hospital confirmed Tammy was admitted and was drunk but left of her own accord.

The spokeswoman could not give further details due to patient confidentiality.

Mr Lane and Miss French are now consulting their solicitor to get answers from the police.

He said: "How I'm feeling I cannot put into words. If there has been a mistake I would like it looked into. I'm really hurting inside."

Gwent Police issued a public alert over Tammy on Friday -24 hours before she was picked up by officers.

But West Midlands Police said they were not told of the teen until later on Sunday.

A force spokeswoman said: "We have no record that Gwent Police made contact with us before February 1."

They added officers were unable to get any personal details from Tammy and admitted her to hospital to get her checked over.

Anyone who may have seen Tammy is asked to contact Ebbw Vale police on 01495 350 999.