Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Police concerned for vulnerable missing girls believed to be 132 miles from home

An urgent search is under way for Grace, 12, and 15-year-old Abbie, who were reported missing together from Worthing, west Sussex, on Friday morning.

Ted Hennessey
Sunday 26 May 2024 13:38 EDT
Abbie (left) and Grace are missing (Family handout/PA)
Abbie (left) and Grace are missing (Family handout/PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Police are “extremely concerned” for two vulnerable missing teenage girls who are believed to be around 132 miles away from home.

An urgent search is under way for Grace, 12, and 15-year-old Abbie, who have been reported missing together from Worthing, west Sussex.

They were last seen in Goring-by-Sea at 8am on Friday, and are believed to be using public transport to travel around the country.

Sussex Police said on Sunday afternoon that there is reason to believe they may be in Birmingham city centre.

Chief Superintendent Carwyn Hughes said: “We are extremely concerned for Grace and Abbie and we are working closely with their families and our colleagues at West Midlands Police to get them home safely.”

In a statement, Abbie’s guardian Lauren and Grace’s mother Steph said: “We are really worried about you both and really miss you.

“We just want to know you’re both safe.

“Please, if you see this, make contact with anyone.

“You are not in any trouble, we just want you both back home where you belong and where everyone cares about you both.

“We love you.”

They added: “If anyone knows where our girls are or have seen them, call police.

“Their families just want them home.”

Grace is 5ft 7in of slight build with straight dark brown hair and glasses and is believed to be wearing grey jogging bottoms, a light brown zip up hoodie, a white vest top, white trainers and a big, light beige handbag.

Abbie is also 5ft 7in, of large build with brown curly hair, and was seen wearing a black t-shirt, black leggings, pink Nike air force trainers, Nike socks and a shoulder bag, police say.

Anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of someone matching the girls’ description is urged to come forward.

They are advised to call 101 if it is non-urgent or 999 if it is urgent, quoting Operation Sedgwick.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in