Mum makes emotional plea as search for missing Manchester girl enters sixth day

The mother of a missing 13-year-old girl has made a tearful appeal for her safe return six days after her disappearance.

Lillia, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, was last seen at 1.50pm on Saturday at the Trafford Centre shopping complex, where she got on a 247 bus towards Altrincham.

Greater Manchester Police said it is unclear how long she remained on the bus or where she got off.

Lillia is white, slim, around 5ft 5in tall, wears glasses, and has light brown hair. She was wearing a black zip-up hooded top, light blue baggy jeans and carrying a black Nike backpack.

In a direct message read on her behalf, her mother Jessica said: "Lill, I love you so so much.

"My heart is breaking without you here. I need to know you are safe. We all need you back home safe and well."

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, of Greater Manchester, said police have carried out "extensive inquiries" since Lillia was reported missing on Friday and "continue to work tirelessly to find her".

She said the last confirmed sighting is a key element of the investigation.

The district commander for Bolton added: "We are asking for anyone who was on the bus and remembers seeing Lillia to get in touch.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who has CCTV or Ring/Doorbell footage that could be relevant to the investigation, or people who have had any contact or conversations with Lillia to contact us since she has been reported missing.

"Lillia, if you see this appeal please know your family love you, miss you and just want to know you are safe.

"You are not in any trouble. They simply want you to come home."