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Mum makes emotional plea for return of daughter, 13, missing for six days

Haider SaleemNorth West
News imageGMP CCTV footage showing Lillia with a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans and a black Nike backpack.GMP
Lillia was last seen at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester on Saturday after first being reported missing on Friday

The mother of a 13-year-old girl who has been missing from home for six days has made an emotional plea for her safe return.

Lillia, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was last seen on Saturday at the Trafford Centre shopping mall wearing a small black backpack.

Police said they believe she then boarded a bus to nearby Altrincham at about 13:50 BST, but it is not known where she got off.

In a statement read out by an officer during a police press conference earlier, her mother Jessica said: "Lil, I love you 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."

Ch Supt Helen Critchley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Lillia, if you see this appeal, please know your family love you, miss you and just want to know that you are safe.

"You are not in any trouble, they simply want you to come home."

News imageTwo women sit at a table side-by-side. On the left, a woman with brown hair and glasses with a GMP branded top. She has papers in front of her. On the right, a woman looks down and emotional. She has blond hair and neck tattoos.
Lillia's mother Jessica sat beside police as her statement was read out

Lillia was reported missing on Friday and was seen in Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens shortly before 23:00 that night.

The Trafford Centre sighting was later confirmed on Saturday.

Ch Supt Critchley, district commander for Bolton, said the shopping centre sighting formed an important part of the investigation.

News imageGMP Lillia stands smiling to the camera. She has clear white glasses, a black t-shirt and denim jeans.GMP
Police describe Lillia as about 5ft 5in tall with light brown hair and glasses

Officers have appealed for anyone who was on the 247 bus from 13:50 on Saturday and remembers seeing Lillia to contact them.

They also want to hear from anyone who may have relevant CCTV or doorbell footage, or who has had any contact with Lillia since she was reported missing.

The teenager is described as slim, about 5ft 5in (1.67m) with light brown hair and glasses, and was last seen wearing a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans, and a black Nike backpack.

News imageGMP Lillia stands smiling to the camera whilst taking a selfie. She has brown hair which sits on her shoulders.GMP
Lillia was reported missing from Bolton on Friday 11 September.

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