Missing: Teenager Shelley Pratt, 14, disappeared three weeks ago
The parents of a missing schoolgirl have made a desperate plea for help to find their daughter who disappeared three weeks ago. Shelley Pratt, 14, was last seen getting off a bus outside the Harris Academy in South Norwood, south London, on November 8. She hasn't contact any family members or friends since that date and fears are growing for the teenager's safety. Her parents Lisa and Tony Pratt today made a direct appeal to their daughter to come home, saying: 'Shellz, you’re not in trouble. We love you and we miss you. Your brothers and sisters are missing you like mad.'
Her parents told how Shelley - one of six children - went missing for
three days last year but was found at a 19-year-old man’s home. Police
believe she is currently with somebody in a building, house or flat. Mrs Pratt,
who fears her daughter is being held captive against her will, said: 'I just
want to know if she is safe. Is she sleeping, eating, got a spare change of
clothes? My instinct tells me someone
has got her and is not letting her go. My gut feeling is saying she has got
herself into a situation which she can’t get out of it.' Mr Pratt added that
their daughter is a vulnerable teenager who is susceptible to anyone who pays
her attention.
Last sighting: Shelley was last seen on November 8 outside the Harris Academy in South Norwood, London
He said: 'Whenever anyone showed her any attention, she loved them.
She's very vulnerable but she's strong-minded and she's strong as an ox. I've
been out every night on my bike looking for her, whether it’s snowing or
raining I’m there. She loves Christmas she’d never miss it. We just want her
home.' She was last seen wearing her school uniform trousers and a distinctive
dark purple hooded jumper with the slogan ‘I love (heart symbol) London’. Police
added that Shelley's Oyster Card was used a few hours after she was last seen,
on November 8, but it was unclear if it was her using it or someone else.
Appeal: Police are asking anyone with any information about Shelley's whereabouts to come forward
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Dunne said: 'It has now been three weeks
since Shelley went missing and concerns for her safety are understandably
increasing by the day. 'It is possible that Shelley may be with someone,
perhaps in a house or a flat. I am encouraging people, particularly Croydon
residents, to be "nosey neighbours" and be extra vigilant as to the
movements of any young people who are new to the area.' A photo of Shelley will
be displayed on the big screen at Crystal Palace’s home game against Brighton
to try and encourage people to come forward with information. Police officers
will also hand out appeal leaflets to shoppers in the vicinity of Croydon town
centre over the weekend.
Daily Mail UK
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