Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed on Saturday night that 13-year-old Lillia, who had been missing from her home in Bolton since Friday, September 11, 2026, has been found safe and well in Manchester city centre. The announcement brought an end to an eight-day search that saw urgent police appeals and a major hunt across Greater Manchester.
Eight-Day Search and Sightings
Lillia was first reported missing from Bolton on September 11. In the days that followed, police released CCTV images and appealed for public help to trace her. She was seen at several locations in Manchester, including Piccadilly Gardens at around 11pm on the night she disappeared. Later, she was spotted boarding the 247 bus at the Trafford Centre, and CCTV footage captured her inside a McDonald's in Piccadilly Gardens on September 13, according to the Express.
A handout image issued by GMP, dated September 14, 2026, showed Lillia at Manchester Piccadilly bus station at 10.36am. Police continued their efforts to trace her throughout the week, with the appeal widely shared across social media and local news outlets.
Police Confirmation and Statement
In a statement released on Saturday night, GMP said: "Thank you to everyone who shared our missing appeal for 13-year-old Lillia, who has been missing since Friday 11 September 2026. We can confirm that she has been found safe and well in the city centre. She is currently with our officers, and her next-of-kin have been informed of this update. We will release more information in due course."
The force thanked the public for their assistance in sharing the appeal, which played a key role in the search. Officers confirmed that Lillia is currently with them, and her family has been notified of the positive outcome.
Impact and Next Steps
The confirmation brings relief to the community in Bolton and across Greater Manchester, where the case had drawn widespread attention. GMP has indicated that further details will be released in due course. The force's priority remains ensuring Lillia's wellbeing and supporting her family following the ordeal.
