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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Nicole Wootton-Cane

Manchester teenager missing for eight days found ‘safe and well’ by police

A Manchester teenager missing for eight days has been found “safe and well” by police.

Lillia, 13, disappeared after leaving her family home in Bolton on Friday 11 September, sparking a major search for the teenager.

Earlier on Saturday (19 September) Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers trawling CCTV in the hunt for Lillia have identified a further sighting of her at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10.36am on Monday 14 September.

13-year-old Lillia missing since 11 September (PA)
13-year-old Lillia missing since 11 September (PA)

This followed a previous sighting earlier that morning, when the missing girl was seen boarding the number 36 bus from Salford before getting off in Manchester city centre.

In a statement released on Saturday evening, GMP thanked people for sharing its appeal and said: “We can confirm that she has been found safe and well in the city centre.

“She is currently with our officers, and her next-of-kin have been informed of this update. We will release more information in due course.”

The 13-year-old’s mother made a tearful appeal for her daughter to come home on Friday.

She 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."

Lillia at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10.36am on 14 September (PA)
Lillia at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10.36am on 14 September (PA)

Police previously identified a sighting of Lillia at the Trafford Centre last Saturday (12 September), saying she caught a bus from there towards Altrincham.

She was seen at a McDonald's in Piccadilly Gardens the following day, before being pictured boarding a bus from Salford to Manchester last Monday morning.

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