Police searching for a 13-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in Bolton more than a week ago have identified a new sighting of her on CCTV. Lillia was reported missing on September 11 and was last pictured at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10:36 on Monday, September 14, the same day she was also sighted boarding a number 36 bus from Salford.
The teenager was also seen boarding a 247 bus towards Altrincham in south Manchester last Saturday at the Trafford Centre. It is unclear for how long she stayed on the bus or where she alighted. Another CCTV clip shared by police showed Lillia walking down Market Street in Manchester City Centre on Sunday at around 8:20pm.
Police release details of Lillia's appearance and clothing
Lillia is described as white, slim, around 5ft 5in, with light brown hair and wearing glasses. She was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans, and a black Nike backpack. Police have urged anyone who was at Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday evening or who saw Lillia in McDonald's to come forward with information.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: 'Our thoughts continue to be with her family and friends. I would like to thank her mum for her support with our appeals over the past few days. She has shown incredible strength throughout, and we are doing all we can to bring her daughter back home to her.'
Mother's emotional appeal for Lillia's safe return
In an appeal, Lillia's mother Jessica said: 'Lill, I love you so so much. My heart is breaking without you here. I need to know you are safe. We all need you back home safe and well.' Officers are making every effort to locate Lillia, with the team working through hours of CCTV footage and exploring every avenue to find her.
Chief Superintendent Critchley confirmed: 'Our last known current sighting was of Lillia at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10:36am on the morning of Monday 14 September. We can also share that she exited the number 36 bus at Piccadilly, having boarded it in Salford. That bus service travels from Bolton through Salford and into Manchester city centre.'
Police urge public to come forward with information
Police are asking anyone with information regarding Lillia's whereabouts or movements from the bus – or who was on the bus at the time she was on it – to contact them via 101 or the Major Incident Portal. Chief Superintendent Critchley added: '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.'
