New CCTV sighing of missing Manchester teenager as search enters second week

Detectives searching for a missing teenager who vanished from her family home a week ago have released fresh CCTV footage capturing her in central Manchester.

Lillia was last seen leaving her home in Bolton on Friday 11 September.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that officers from a dedicated CCTV unit identified a new sighting of the missing girl inside the McDonald’s branch on Market Street, near Piccadilly Gardens, at around 8.20pm on Sunday 13 September.

The new lead follows an earlier confirmed sighting on Saturday 12 September, when Lillia was believed to have boarded the number 247 bus at the Trafford Centre at approximately 1.50pm.

Officers and specialist staff have spent the past week combing through hundreds of hours of surveillance footage, distributing missing person flyers, and conducting door-to-door enquiries across the region.

"It has now been a week since Lillia was reported missing from her home at Bolton," said Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley of GMP’s Bolton district.

"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."

Lillia was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans and a black Nike backpack.

She is described as white, slim, around 5ft 5in, has light brown hair and wears glasses.

In a direct appeal to Lillia, her mother 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.”

Police are urging members of the public who were near Piccadilly Gardens on the evening of Sunday 13 September to review any mobile phone footage or photographs taken around 8.20pm.

Investigators emphasised that while current search efforts span the whole of Greater Manchester, they retain an open mind regarding the possibility that she may have travelled further afield.

"Thank you to everyone who has been in touch – whether you have shared information or simply responded to our media appeal," Chief Superintendent Critchley added. "Every step helps in our search towards bringing a missing girl home to her family. Her family just want her home."

Anyone with information, dashcam footage, or mobile recordings is asked to submit details directly via the police Major Incident Public Portal or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.