Concern grows for missing 13-year-old girl who has not been seen since Wednesday

Concern for the safety and welfare of a 13-year-old girl who has not been seen since Wednesday has increased today after she missed all Christmas festivities without being in contact with her family.

Brown-eyed Lyla vanished from her home on Wednesday evening and no-one has seen or heard from her since.

Major searches in her home town of Basingstoke, Hampshire, have failed to find any trace of the child and police said today that they were ‘extremely concerned’ for her welfare.

Police issued a public appeal for help in tracing Lyla, whose surname has been withheld by Hampshire Constabulary. 

Brown-eyed Lyla vanished from her home on Wednesday evening and no-one has seen or heard from her since

She has long dark hair and is believed to be ‘street-wise’.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said today: ‘Lyla was last seen on Wednesday evening in Simmons Walk, Basingstoke at around 10pm.

‘Since she was reported missing, officers have been conducting several inquiries to find her. 

‘Both we and her family are extremely concerned for her welfare and we are now turning to the public for your help.

‘She is believed to still be in the Basingstoke area.

‘Lyla is described as of mixed race, 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build. 

‘She has long brown hair, brown eyes and when last seen was wearing a black Puffa jacket and grey jogging bottoms. She was carrying a Sports Direct bag for life.

‘If you see her please call 999 immediately, quoting 44220512908,’ the spokesman added.