A Bradford teenager sent an SOS to her teacher claiming she was being held against her will in Pakistan and forced to marry.

Today the 16-year-old, who has not been identified, was due to appear before a Court to determine whether she was being pushed into a marriage she did not want after the teacher raised the alarm with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The girl is understood to be staying with relatives in the Mardan area of Pakistan, in the remote North West Frontier region. It is believed she was taken there by her parents.

Last week, the British High Commission in Islamabad lodged a petition with the Peshawar High Court asking for the girl to be produced in court for a later hearing.

The Peshawar High Court then ordered the Mardan District Police to ensure her safety and bring her to court for the hearing today.

British Government representatives told the court that they feared the girl's parents were planning to arrange her marriage against her will.

The court agreed to issue orders for the production of the girl so she could make a statement at today's hearing about whether or not she was being forced into the marriage.

The court also directed that the safety of the girl should be ensured.

Today's hearing could pave the way for the girl to return to Bradford where it is understood she will have the protection and support of appropriate agencies.

The court in Peshawar was told that the British High Commission was greatly concerned about the well-being of its nationals.