Police suspect that, Maddie, a vulnerable 15-year-old teenager who went missing while shopping last month was kidnapped.
Detectives investigating Maddie Thomas’ disappearance 15 days ago said they are now evaluating the case as a possible child kidnapping.
Maddie has been missing since April 26 in the Southmead district of Bristol, and investigators suspect she is with a guy. Concerned officers stated yesterday that she had used social media to contact people who may provide her with money and a place to stay.
‘We are no longer treating Maddie’s disappearance as a missing person investigation, but as a child abduction,’ said Detective Inspector Laura Miller.
‘When Maddie has gone missing in the past, she has been located in the company of adult men, and it is mostly because of this history that we suspect she is now with someone.’
‘Maddie is a foster kid, and no one has the authority to separate her from her caregivers.’She is vulnerable and at risk of being used.
‘We’re really concerned about her safety and have a committed team working very hard to find her.’
‘No one has seen or heard from Maddie in 15 days – since she visited a relative on 26 April and indicated she was heading to the shop,’ DI Miller added.
‘The circumstances of her abduction are highly concerning for us; her family and caregivers.’
‘We have a variety of lines of inquiry, and while we have had a tremendous deal of assistance from the public to date, for which we are really thankful, we still want more.’
‘Officers have conducted CCTV investigations in the Southmead area where Maddie was last seen, and flyers have also been sent to nearby households by officers visiting door to door.
‘However, Maddie might be anywhere in the nation, therefore we need this appeal to be spread and covered as far as possible.’
‘Anyone who sees Maddie should phone 999 immediately, and anyone who chats to her or sees her online should call 101.’
‘Maddie, if you see this, please call us as soon as possible to let us know you’re safe.’ Everyone is worried about you.’
