Merseyside Police have issued an urgent public appeal for information regarding the whereabouts of 13-year-old Isla Holland from St Helens. She was last seen in the area at approximately 5:20 PM on Wednesday, October 8th.
Authorities are asking anyone who sees Isla to call 999 immediately to ensure her safety. She is known to frequent areas in Liverpool, including the vicinity of Lime Street station.
Key Takeaways
- Who: Isla Holland, a 13-year-old girl from St Helens.
- Last Seen: Wednesday, October 8th, at around 5:20 PM in the St Helens area.
- Description: White, 5ft 6in tall, with long, dyed ginger hair.
- Clothing: Last seen wearing a cream fluffy hat and waistcoat, blue jeans, a black vest top, and black boots.
- Possessions: She was carrying a black leather handbag and a Bluetooth speaker.
- Urgent Action: Police urge the public to call 999 immediately if they see her.
Details of Isla Holland's Disappearance
Concerns are growing for the welfare of Isla Holland, who has been missing for over 24 hours. Her last confirmed sighting was in her home town of St Helens on the evening of Wednesday, October 8th. The specific circumstances of her disappearance have not been released, but police have classified this as a high-priority missing person case due to her age.
Family and friends are extremely worried and are appealing for any information that could lead to finding her. Community involvement is often critical in these situations, and police are relying on the public's assistance to gather information about her movements since she was last seen.
Physical Description and Clothing
Merseyside Police have provided a detailed description to help the public identify Isla. She is described as a white female, approximately 5ft 6in tall, which is of average to tall height for her age. Her most distinctive feature is her long hair, which is dyed a ginger colour.
When she went missing, Isla was wearing a notable outfit:
- A cream-coloured fluffy hat
- A matching cream fluffy waistcoat
- Blue jeans
- A black vest top
- Black boots
She was also carrying a black leather handbag and a portable Bluetooth speaker. Police have asked the public to pay close attention to anyone matching this description and carrying these items.
Focus on Key Items
The distinctive cream fluffy hat and waistcoat, combined with the Bluetooth speaker, are key identifiers that police hope will make Isla more recognizable to members of the public.
Search Efforts and Known Locations
The search for Isla is currently focused on areas she is known to visit. While she is from St Helens, she has established connections to Liverpool city centre. This has led police to extend their search and public appeals to cover both locations.
Lime Street station and the surrounding area have been specifically mentioned as places Isla is known to frequent. This is a major transport hub with connections across the North West and beyond, making it a critical location in the search. Officers are likely reviewing CCTV footage from the station and nearby businesses.
The Importance of Transport Hubs in Searches
In missing person cases involving teenagers, transport hubs like Lime Street station are often a focus for police. They provide access to extensive rail and bus networks, allowing for travel across a wide area. Public vigilance in these busy locations is essential for law enforcement efforts.
Police are urging anyone who may have seen Isla in St Helens, Liverpool, or on public transport between the two locations since Wednesday evening to come forward. Even a small detail could provide a significant lead for investigators.
How the Public Can Help
Merseyside Police have stressed that public information is vital to locating Isla and ensuring her safety. They have issued clear instructions on how to report sightings or provide information. The primary instruction is for immediate sightings.
"If you see Isla please call 999 so officers can make sure she's safe." - Merseyside Police
This direct appeal highlights the urgency of the situation. The use of the 999 number is reserved for emergencies and immediate responses, indicating the high level of concern for Isla's wellbeing. Officials advise the public not to hesitate if they believe they have seen her.
Reporting Information and Sightings
There are several ways for the public to assist in the search for Isla Holland:
- Immediate Sightings: If you see Isla, the most important action is to call 999 immediately. Provide the operator with your location and a description of the person you have seen.
- Past Sightings or General Information: If you have information about her whereabouts or think you may have seen her since Wednesday, you can pass this on via an online form on the Merseyside Police website.
- Contacting Police Directly: Other information can be shared with Merseyside Police by sending a direct message to @MerPolCC on social media or by calling the non-emergency number, 101.
Authorities have reiterated that no piece of information is too small. Details about her direction of travel, who she might have been with, or her state of mind could be crucial to the investigation.
The Role of Community Awareness
In cases like this, the rapid dissemination of information through social media and local news plays a significant role. Sharing official police appeals helps to broaden the search area and increase the number of people actively looking for a missing person.
Residents in St Helens and Liverpool are encouraged to share the appeal with their networks. By raising awareness, the community becomes an essential partner to the police, extending the reach of the search far beyond what officers can cover alone.
The focus remains on bringing Isla home safely. Merseyside Police will continue to provide updates as the search progresses, and they are grateful for the public's continued support and vigilance during this critical time.