Mother's Heartbreak as Police Continue Search for Missing 13-Year-Old Lillia
Tearful appeal issued as authorities release details of last known sightings.
The mother of a 13-year-old girl, Lillia, who has been missing for eight days, has made a tearful plea for her safe return. Lillia was reported missing by her family from Bolton, Greater Manchester, on September 11.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been actively appealing for public assistance in locating the teenager. On Saturday, Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley read a statement on behalf of Lillia's mother, Jessica, who was present.
"Lill, I love you so so much. My heart is breaking without you here," the statement read. "I need to know you are safe. We all need you back home safe and well."
Authorities confirmed that Lillia was last seen at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10:36 a.m. on Monday, September 14. CCTV footage from the station shows her wearing a black zip-up hooded top, dark trousers, and a black Nike backpack. She is believed to have boarded the number 36 bus in Salford and alighted at Piccadilly.
Lillia is described as white, slim, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with light brown hair and wearing glasses. A previous sighting placed her at the Trafford Centre shopping complex at 1:50 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, where she boarded the 247 bus towards Altrincham. At that time, she was wearing light blue baggy jeans.
Officers also identified a further sighting of Lillia at a McDonald's on Market Street in Manchester city centre on Sunday, September 13, around 8:20 p.m.
Lillia's aunt, Nina, shared on social media that the teenager has no phone, limited money, and only her rucksack with her. She described the family as loving and expressed confusion over Lillia's disappearance, stating there were no prior concerns raised about her well-being.
Chief Superintendent Critchley thanked the public and media for their support and assured the family that officers are making every effort to find Lillia. The investigation is currently focused across Greater Manchester, but police are keeping an open mind regarding the possibility that Lillia may have traveled outside the area.
Anyone with information regarding Lillia's whereabouts or movements, particularly concerning the number 36 bus or sightings at Piccadilly Gardens and the Market Street McDonald's on September 13 and 14, is urged to contact GMP via 101 or the Major Incident Portal on the GMP website. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.