Missing Denton teenager Jessica found safe after four-week search
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the 16-year-old, who disappeared after getting off a bus at Piccadilly Gardens on July 16, has been located. Her family had issued heartfelt pleas for her return.
A teenage girl who had been missing for almost a month has been found.
Jessica Hirst, 16, from Denton, was last seen getting off a bus at Piccadilly Gardens on the evening of Thursday July 16. She had visited Granada Park earlier in the day before boarding the bus from Windsor Road.
In a welcome update on Wednesday morning (August 12), GMP confirmed she had been located. A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Jessica, who was missing from home, has been found. Thank you to all who shared our appeal and was out helping us locate her."
Extensive enquiries had taken place over the past four weeks, with police checking CCTV and body-worn camera footage to trace her movements. Multiple public appeals were made, with her case classed as high-risk after officers confirmed she had no phone or money.
Her aunt Emma Hirst had issued a heartfelt plea for her return: "I want her to know, do not worry about a thing. It is OK. Come home, pick up the phone, call someone, if you are in trouble, try and get help."
She added: "She has a good heart, she is fun, she's very intelligent and loves singing and music. We've been crying and losing sleep over it."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was the missing teenager?
- Jessica Hirst is a 16-year-old girl from Denton who was reported missing in mid-July.
- Where was she last seen before disappearing?
- She was last seen getting off a bus at Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre on the evening of 16 July.
- How did police conduct the search?
- Greater Manchester Police carried out extensive enquiries over four weeks, which included reviewing CCTV and body-worn camera footage, alongside public appeals.