Search continues for missing 13-year-old Lillia as police share update
By Alasdair Perry 18th Sep 2026
The search for a teenage girl who has been missing for a week continues.
Thirteen-year-old Lillia was seen leaving her family home in Bolton on Friday 11 September.
Since then, Greater Manchester Police has been carrying out an extensive investigation which has involved combing through hours of CCTV footage, alongside a wide-ranging leafleting and social media campaign.
Officers have now shared an update, saying that Lillia has been sighted on CCTV in McDonald's Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday 13 September at roughly 8.20pm.
It's the most recent sighting of Lillia.
This sighting follows a previous one on Saturday 12 September when Lillia is believed to have boarded the 247 bus at the Trafford Centre around 1.50pm.
Police have asked anybody who was in Piccadilly Gardens on Sunday 13 September around 8.20pm to check any mobile phone footage they may have captured.
They are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Lillia on Saturday 12 September at around 1.50pm where she is believed to have boarded the 247 bus at the Trafford Centre.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley of GMP's Bolton district said: "Our thoughts are first and foremost with her family, and I would like to thank her mum for being part of our appeal - her strength throughout this has been remarkable.
"Officers are making every effort to locate Lillia, and our team have been working through hours of CCTV footage and exploring every avenue to try and find her.
"Thank you to everyone who has been in touch – whether you have shared information or simply responded to our media appeal. Every step helps in our search towards bringing a missing girl home to her family.
"Sunday 13 September is the last confirmed sighting of Lillia and our investigation currently covers the whole of Greater Manchester with officers across the force being asked to support our enquiries. We are also mindful that Lillia could have travelled outside of the Manchester area and are keeping an open mind regarding this possibility."
Residents of Greater Manchester and beyond are encouraged to report any information, no matter how small, via the police's dedicated Major Incident Portal here.
You can also submit information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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