Lillia Bolton missing: the 13-year-old was last seen at a McDonald’s on Manchester’s Market Street on Sunday evening, a week after she was reported missing by her family
Police are continuing their efforts to trace a 13-year-old girl who disappeared from home a week ago. Lillia, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was reported missing by her family on September 11.
Her mother, Jessica, has made a heartbreaking plea for her safe return. Police say the teenager was spotted at 1.50pm on Saturday at the Trafford Centre shopping complex – where she boarded the 247 bus towards Altrincham.
It remained unclear how long she remained on the bus or where she alighted. Officers examining CCTV footage have identified another sighting of Lillia at the McDonald’s in Manchester city centre’s Market Street on Sunday at approximately 8.20pm.
Lillia was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans and a black Nike backpack. She is described as white, slim, around 5ft 5in, has light brown hair and wears glasses.
In a direct appeal to Lillia, her mother said: “Lill, I love you so so much. My heart is breaking without you here. I need to know you are safe. We all you need back home safe and well.”
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Lillia’s family, and I would like to thank her mum for being part of our appeal. Her strength throughout this has been remarkable.
“Officers are making every effort to locate Lillia and our team have been working through hours of CCTV footage and exploring every avenue to try and find her.
“Thank you to everyone who has been in touch – whether you have shared information or simply responded to our media appeal. Every step helps in our search towards bringing a missing girl home to her family.
“Our investigation currently covers the whole of Greater Manchester with officers across the force being asked to support our inquiries.
“We are also mindful that Lillia could have travelled outside of the Manchester area and are keeping an open mind regarding this possibility.
“If you have any information that could help us find Lillia, I would urge you to come forward. Her family just want her home.”
A major incident public portal has been established where members of the public can provide details via the GMP website at mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP26K01-PO1.
Details can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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