Sharjah, Oct 20 (IANS): A minor Indian girl, who went missing from her home in Sharjah, was found after some five hours -- thanks to social media spreading information about her, media reported Monday.

"The missing eight-year-old girl was spotted by a passerby near Joy Alukkas Centre in Rolla," Khaleej Times quoted her father as saying.

The grade three student of Our Own School, Sharjah, slipped out of her home in Al Musalla area in Rolla Saturday evening, soon after her mother went for her evening shift duty.

"I was sleeping with my one-year-old daughter when the incident took place," her father said.

He expressed his gratitude to the concerned individual for the safe return of his daughter.

“I’m thankful to all the people who helped... People distributed her photo and also spread the message on WhatsApp and Facebook," said the relieved father after the minor was restored to him after remaining missing for at least five hours.

The girl's picture was shared on various social networking platforms.