Search for Dundee teenager impeded by false information
Dundee's police said they were increasingly concerned about finding 13-year-old Michaela Hunter — and expressed frustration at being “fed deliberately misleading” information regarding her whereabouts.
- Published in the Courier : 23.04.10
- Published online : 23.04.10 @ 12.57pm
They think it is highly likely that she is being given shelter by friends and urged them to give her up.
Officers spoke to Michaela's classmates and friends at St John's High School, hoping that someone would know something and speak up.
However, they said in a statement that their efforts to trace Michaela have been hampered by being fed deliberately misleading or inaccurate information on Michaela.
They believe that this is a mistaken attempt to assist the missing Dundee girl in evading the police.
Tayside Police chief inspector Suzie Mertes said, "It is vitally important we find Michaela.
"It is now four days since she went missing.
"She is a vulnerable 13-year-old girl and we would urge any member of the public who has information that may assist the police to come forward."
There are 20 officers are involved in the search and a poster has being produced appealing for information.
Michaela has been missing from her Yeaman's Lane home since 12.30pm on Monday and is known to frequent the Menzieshill and Charleston areas.
She was last seen on a bus from the city centre to Charleston around 5.10pm on Tuesday.
Police said it is highly likely that some of her friends in the area are providing her with shelter and they need to know that by doing so they are committing an offence.
Inspector Alan Szwec said, "We are increasingly concerned for her safety.
"On Tuesday evening we believe she travelled on a number 28 or 29 bus about 5.10pm from the city centre towards the Charleston area.
"If Michaela or her friends read this I would appeal to them to get in touch with us.
Michaela is around 5ft tall, slim, with brown eyes and long brown hair.
She was last seen wearing black trousers, a white shirt, a black cardigan, and a grey and pink jacket.
Anyone with information should get in touch with the force on 0300 111 2222 or speak to any officer.
