I don't think anyone on this thread was meaning to be offensive, I really do hope not.
Like Cazboldy, I had also picked up on the 7pm/7.30pm part. With respect, I do feel that is late (for a 5 year old) and it is dark then. Of course we don't know all the facts and cannot/should not judge but I know that my 5 year old would not be out at that time of night, with or without friends (whose ages we don't know)
Of course, the parents know this now and all we can do is pray that she is found safe